Faux Lasagna
This Faux Lasagna is SO EASY! Creamy cheese layers, savory ground beef, and wide egg noodles come together for a quick, comforting casserole everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 16 oz wide egg noodles uncooked
- 1 Tablespoon butter melted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup fresh minced onion or 1/4 cup dried onion
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 3/4 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until just tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the noodles well and toss them with the melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and heat through. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Faux Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer half of the buttered egg noodles over the sauce. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let the Faux Lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables like spinach or mushrooms added to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for variations.
- Make ahead and freeze portions for convenient meal prep; thaw before baking.