Sour Cream Noodle Bake
The tangy sour cream pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef, while the melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a dish that can easily be adapted by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or by using different cheeses for variation. Whether served with a fresh salad or garlic bread, Sour Cream Noodle Bake is sure to satisfy any comfort food craving.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles wide
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce or one 15 oz can
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente since they will continue to cook while baking. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Tomato Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, cottage cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir until well combined. This creamy mixture will coat the noodles and provide a rich texture.
- Combine Noodles with the Creamy Mixture: Add the cooked egg noodles to the creamy mixture and toss until the noodles are well coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture. Spread half of the meat sauce over the noodles. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.