Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so it’s ready for layering later. 🏡
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly, until aromatic. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano for maximum flavor. 🥩
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and coated in creamy goodness. 🍝
Layer half of the noodle mixture in your prepared baking dish. Follow this with the seasoned beef mixture. Top it with the remaining noodles. The layers create a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Blend the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture across the top of the noodles to create a crispy golden finish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the topping to brown and the casserole to bubble. 🌟
Once the casserole is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool. This makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Enjoy! 😊