Description
Dive into the comfort of a dish perfect for a hearty family meal with the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Bake. This recipe layers tender egg noodles with seasoned ground beef and a rich blend of cheeses and sour cream, topped off with a melted cheddar cheese crust. Ideal for chilly evenings or when simply craving something satisfying, this casserole promises to be a favorite at your dining table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. uncooked egg noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 8 oz. small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water to halt the cooking. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
2. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Add Onions and Garlic
To the skillet with the beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine Noodles and Cheeses
In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish
Begin by spreading half of the noodle mixture in a baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce and then half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a layer of cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Servings & Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
The Sour Cream Beef Noodle Bake combines the comforting textures and flavors of creamy cheeses, robust tomato sauce, and savory beef, all encased in tender layers of noodles. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also makes for a visually appealing centerpiece at any family dinner. Enjoy crafting this delicious, comforting casserole that is sure to win hearts and evoke the warmth of home-cooked meals.