Beefy Tomato Pasta Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, season it with the dried basil, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes for added flavor. Stir the seasonings into the beef to evenly distribute them. Once the beef is cooked through, add the sliced mushrooms and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables with the beef for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. The mushrooms should release their moisture and the bell pepper should become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cooking the vegetables with the beef helps to infuse their flavors together and create a delicious base for the pasta bake. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and proceed with the next steps in the recipe.

In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Then, pour half of the tomato sauce over the noodles, spreading it out with a spatula. Next, spoon half of the cottage cheese on top of the tomato sauce layer, spreading it evenly. After that, add half of the beef and vegetable mixture on top of the cottage cheese layer, making sure it covers the dish evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining half of the noodles, tomato sauce, cottage cheese, and beef mixture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. This layering process helps to distribute the flavors and ingredients throughout the casserole for a delicious final dish.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking helps the flavors meld together while ensuring the pasta cooks through. The foil also helps to keep the moisture in the casserole for a tender result. After 25 minutes, remove the foil carefully to prevent steam burns and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This uncovered baking allows the cheese on top to melt and develop a golden bubbly crust, adding a delicious texture to the dish. Keep an eye on the pasta during this final baking stage to prevent burning and achieve the desired level of cheese browning. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven.

Let the Beefy Tomato Pasta Bake cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!

For a twist, try adding Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile. You can also top the dish with breadcrumbs for added crunchiness before baking.