Sour Cream Noodle Bake

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. With layers of tender egg noodles, savory beef sauce, and a creamy, tangy noodle mixture, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Noodle Mixture:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Cook the Beef and Onion:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook the Noodles:

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

5. Prepare the Noodle Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and stir to coat them evenly with the mixture.

6. Assemble the Casserole:

Place half of the noodle mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce, then sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.

7. Bake:

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dish is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

8. Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy noodle bake as a hearty meal!

Serving:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8

Variations:

• Turkey Option: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce for a bit of heat.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: The baked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion:

Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. The combination of creamy noodles, savory beef sauce, and melted cheese makes this a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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