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

Description

Aunt Martha’s Casserole is a comforting, creamy beef and noodle dish made conveniently in the Instant Pot. This easy weeknight main course combines seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich, tangy cream cheese topping for a classic, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

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Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion: Turn Instant Pot to the sauté setting. When the display says HOT, add in the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, until beef is browned and onion softens. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the salt and black pepper.
Add Broth and Layer Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and ensure nothing is sticking. Turn off the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the egg noodles evenly over the beef mixture. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the noodles, then top with diced green peppers.
Pressure Cook: Cover the Instant Pot and secure the lid, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Press the manual/pressure cook button and set for 1 minute. When the timer is up, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully move the valve to venting to release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir well to combine.
Prepare the Creamy Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and diced green onions until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Serve: Scoop a serving of the beef and noodle casserole into a bowl. Top with three dollops of the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the ground beef.
For a lighter version, use low-fat dairy products.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if desired.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large bowl
Calories: 470
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1050mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg