Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese and sour cream. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a simple yet delicious family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain well.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, half of the meat mixture, and half of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, meat mixture, and cottage cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Different Cheese: Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture, or try mozzarella for an extra cheesy layer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead of time and refrigerate the assembled dish. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the Sour Cream Noodle Bake? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a tangier and healthier option.
- How can I make this dish creamier? For extra creaminess, add an extra layer of sour cream or mix in some heavy cream with the cottage cheese and sour cream mixture.
- Can I make this dish without meat? Yes, omit the ground beef and either add more vegetables or a meat substitute to make it a vegetarian dish.
- How do I know when the dish is done baking? The dish is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- What can I serve with Sour Cream Noodle Bake? This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a quick and satisfying comfort food dish that combines hearty ingredients with creamy textures. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers the next day. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this casserole is a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and it can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
PrintSour Cream Noodle Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that brings together ground beef, tomato sauce, and egg noodles with a rich layer of sour cream and cottage cheese. A family favorite that’s perfect for dinner on busy nights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese and sour cream.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Layer half of the noodles, half of the meat mixture, and half of the cottage cheese mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Repeat layers and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a more cheesy flavor, add extra shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the layers.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes