Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
8 ounce wide egg noodles
Meanwhile, brown and crumble the ground beef with green pepper and garlic until beef is no longer pink. Drain.
1½ pounds lean ground beef, ½ green pepper, 2-3 cloves garlic
Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3 cans tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, salt and pepper
Add the drained noodles to the meat sauce and mix well.
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, 1 package cream cheese
Add sour cream and green onions. Mix well.
¼ cup sour cream, 3-4 green onions
Layer half of the noodle mixture into the prepared dish.
Top with all of the cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
Add the remaining noodle mixture.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
1½ cups cheddar cheese
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 daysKeep tightly sealed to prevent drying out♨️ REHEATING: Microwave individual portions until heated throughOven - cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warmSkillet - reheat gently over medium-low heatAir fryer - not recommended❄️ FREEZING: Freeze before baking for best resultsThaw overnight in the refrigerator before bakingNot ideal after baking due to texture changes💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS: Cook noodles al denteSoften cream cheese fully before mixingDrain beef well to avoid excess greaseLet the casserole rest before serving🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS: None♻️ LEFTOVERS: Turn into a baked pasta bowl for lunchServe wrapped in tortillas for a fun twist📝 NOTES: You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if preferredAdd extra cheese on top for a richer finish