Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

While the meat sauce is simmering, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set them aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked noodles to this mixture and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.

Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and start assembling the casserole. Spread half of the noodle mixture on the bottom, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with the meat sauce on top.

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens – the cheese gets all bubbly and golden in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.