Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions in a large skillet, then add the remaining ingredients (except the cheese mixture). Cover and simmer until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed. Prepare and add the cheese mixture as directed.

My family doesn't like cottage cheese. Can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! You can use ricotta cheese instead, or simply increase the amounts of cream cheese and sour cream for a similarly creamy texture.

Can I prepare the cheese mixture in advance?

Yes, you can make the cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole grain egg noodles, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat dairy products. You can also increase the vegetables by adding shredded carrots or zucchini when you cook the onions.

Aunt Martha's Casserole Recipe

Name: Aunt Martha's Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Casserole Base 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup diced onion; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 8 ounces egg noodles; 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce; 1/2 cup diced green pepper; For the Creamy Topping 4 ounces softened cream cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 2 green onions, diced; 6 Tbsp shredded cheddar cheese

This hearty Aunt Martha’s Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy three-cheese blend for a comforting meal that comes together in minutes. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this family-favorite dish delivers deep, homestyle flavor with minimal effort – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to table in under 30 minutes – the pressure cooking method means your noodles cook perfectly in just ONE minute!
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of seasoned beef, tangy tomato sauce, and three different cheeses makes this a dish everyone will request again and again.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Versatile Base: Easy to customize with additional vegetables or different protein options to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Creates the hearty base of the casserole. Using lean ground beef gives you flavor without excessive grease.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and sweetness when sautéed with the beef.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Beef Broth: Provides the cooking liquid for the noodles while adding rich flavor throughout the dish.
Egg Noodles: These tender pasta ribbons cook quickly and hold up well to the sauce. They also give that classic casserole texture.
Tomato Sauce: Creates a tangy, slightly sweet foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
Green Pepper: Adds fresh crunch, color, and slight sweetness to balance the rich components.
Cream Cheese: Brings luxurious creaminess and tanginess to the topping mixture.
Sour Cream: Adds additional tang and richness to the cheese blend.
Cottage Cheese: Provides a unique texture and protein boost while melting into the creamy topping.
Green Onions: Their mild bite adds freshness and color to the finished dish.
Cheddar Cheese: The perfect finishing touch – melts beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesy pull with each bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Italian sausage can add wonderful flavor if you’re craving something different.

Veggie Boosters

Increase the nutritional value by adding diced carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach. These can be sautéed with the onions or added with the green peppers.

Flavor Enhancers

Consider adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Pasta Options

While egg noodles are traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or small shells if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the cooking time the same.

How to Make Aunt Martha’s Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. When the display reads HOT, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and cook together for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease and stir in the salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly to release any stuck bits (this prevents the dreaded “burn” notice). Turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Add the egg noodles in an even layer over the beef mixture. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the noodles, then scatter the diced green peppers on top. Do not stir!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to just 1 minute. When the cooking cycle completes, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully moving the valve to venting.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the casserole cooks, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and diced green onions in a separate bowl until well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Serve hot in individual bowls, topping each portion with several dollops of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Natural Release: The 5-minute natural pressure release is crucial for properly cooking the noodles without making them mushy.
Cheese Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth topping mixture. Cold cream cheese will remain lumpy.
Layer Don’t Stir: Layering the ingredients as directed helps prevent the “burn” warning on your Instant Pot and ensures even cooking.
Scrape That Bottom: Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing to prevent any burned bits from causing issues during pressure cooking.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and measure ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience.

How to Serve

Family Style

For a casual family dinner, serve the casserole in a large bowl with the cheese mixture on the side, allowing everyone to add their preferred amount.

Hearty Sides

Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the casserole.

Extra Toppings

Set out additional toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, extra green onions, or a dollop of salsa for everyone to customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop and taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the cheese topping and add fresh topping when serving.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, reheat in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions in a large skillet, then add the remaining ingredients (except the cheese mixture). Cover and simmer until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed. Prepare and add the cheese mixture as directed.
My family doesn’t like cottage cheese. Can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! You can use ricotta cheese instead, or simply increase the amounts of cream cheese and sour cream for a similarly creamy texture.
Can I prepare the cheese mixture in advance?

Yes, you can make the cheese mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole grain egg noodles, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat dairy products. You can also increase the vegetables by adding shredded carrots or zucchini when you cook the onions.

Final Thoughts

Aunt Martha’s Casserole brings together the best of comfort food – hearty meat, tender noodles, and creamy cheese – in a dish that takes minutes rather than hours. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of that tangy tomato sauce with the three-cheese topping creates something truly special that will have everyone asking for seconds!