Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz (425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, ensuring the mixture is fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well blended.
- Mix Noodles and Cheese: Gently fold the cooked noodles into the cheese mixture until all noodles are evenly coated without breaking them.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the noodle and cheese mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon half of the beef mixture over it. Repeat layering with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of the casserole to create a rich, cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has fully melted and started to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Allow to cool slightly if desired, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother cheese filling, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with sour cream.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter variation.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to let the flavors set and make it easier to cut and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
