Dinner

Dairyland Casserole Recipe

ByRafael Mansero January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

Dairyland Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Combining tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich dairy blend, it’s hearty and delicious. This casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with three visible layers in a clear glass baking dish. The bottom layer is a rich, dark brown meat sauce with visible ground beef and some sauce liquid pooling at the bottom. Above the meat sauce is a layer of pale cooked pasta, partly covered by a thick and creamy white layer, likely cottage cheese or ricotta. The top layer is a bright yellow melted cheese covering the dish, with some small white spots where the cheese has melted less. The glass dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the dish has one square piece missing, showing the layers inside clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons melted butter
1.5 lbs ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
8 oz sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and remove from heat.
Step 5: Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Step 6: Spoon the beef mixture over the noodles and spread gently to the edges. Layer the remaining noodles on top.
Step 7: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and cottage cheese, mixing until well combined.
Step 8: Spread the dairy mixture evenly over the beef and noodle layers.
Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a creamier topping.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce mixture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degrees F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

How to Serve

A thick square slice of layered lasagna sits on a white plate, placed on a dark wooden table. The bottom layer shows cooked pasta noodles slightly curled at the edges, mixed with a brown, chunky ground meat sauce. Above this, there is a thick white creamy layer, likely ricotta or a similar cheese, followed by a smooth, bright yellow melted cheese layer that covers the top completely. In the background, another white plate holds a similar slice of lasagna, slightly blurred. The surface around is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.