Description
This comforting Sour Cream Noodle Bake combines tender egg noodles with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, layered with creamy sour cream and cottage cheese blend, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole is a delicious and satisfying American classic ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce mixture for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, small curd cottage cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then spread half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the dish set for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, covered tightly, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
