Dairyland Casserole

The ultimate creamy, beefy comfort bake that tastes like home.

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug, this is it. Known for its distinct “dairy layer” that sits between savory beef and tender egg noodles, the Dairyland Casserole is a staple for a reason. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and even better as leftovers.

🛒 Ingredients

The Foundation

• Egg Noodles: 12 oz, cooked al dente and drained
• Butter: 2 tbsp, melted

The Savory Beef Layer

• Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (80/20 or 90/10 lean works best)
• Yellow Onion: ½ large onion, finely diced
• Tomato Sauce: 2 (15 oz) cans
• Seasoning: ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

The Signature Dairy Filling

• Cream Cheese: 1 (8 oz) block, softened to room temperature
• Sour Cream: 8 oz (approx. 1 cup)
• Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (small or large curd)
• Topping: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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🥣 Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Pro Tip: Drain the excess grease well to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Let it simmer for a minute so the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
4. The First Layers: Spread half of your cooked egg noodles into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the noodles. Top the beef with the remaining egg noodles.
5. Whisk the Dairy: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (this prevents lumps!). Stir in the sour cream and cottage cheese until thoroughly combined.
6. The Final Layer: Spread the creamy dairy mixture over the top layer of noodles, smoothing it to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
7. Bake: Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are starting to turn golden brown.

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💡 Recipe Variations

• Add Some Green: Stir in a cup of thawed frozen peas or chopped spinach to the beef mixture for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Extra Crunch: Some families love topping this with crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onion/beef mixture for a little “kick.”