Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this delicious Sour Cream Noodle Bake. Layers of creamy goodness, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked noodles come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Tasting Notes

The Sour Cream Noodle Bake strikes a balance between creamy and savory, with a hint of tanginess from the sour cream. The golden-brown cheese topping adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. It’s a family-friendly classic that never fails to please the palate.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Colander

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them using a colander.
5. Combine Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese.
6. Layer the Ingredients: In the 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by half of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture. Add half of the ground beef mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
8. Serve: Allow the Sour Cream Noodle Bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

• For a time-saving option, prepare the ground beef mixture and the sour cream-cottage cheese mixture in advance.
• Experiment with different cheese blends to customize the flavor profile of your dish.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with your favorite meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
• Mexican Twist: Add a layer of salsa and black beans for a Tex-Mex variation.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

FAQs