A budget-friendly, comforting casserole with layers of savory ground beef, pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for easy family dinners and meal prep!
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium casserole dish.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese until combined.
Layer half of the cooked pasta in the casserole dish. Spread half of the meat sauce over pasta. Evenly spread half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the meat sauce.
Repeat layers with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.