Description
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Layers of tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sour cream mixture are topped with melted cheese for a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the beef mixture on top.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the bake sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Assemble the bake without the final cheese layer, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, then add cheese and bake.
- Variations: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Add cooked vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American