Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Every time I think of cozy, home-cooked meals, I can’t help but smile at the thought of Sour Cream Noodle Bake. This dish takes me back to family gatherings where the aroma of baked goodness fills the air, and everyone gathers around the table with eager anticipation. I remember the first time I tried it; the creamy layers and hearty flavors danced on my palate, leaving me wanting more. With a blend of hearty ingredients like ground beef and the divine combination of sour cream and cottage cheese, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that warms the heart. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish always hits the spot.

What to Gather for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Gathering the ingredients for Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a delightful process. Each component plays an essential role in creating a comforting and flavorful dish. The key players include ground beef, which serves as the hearty base, while sour cream and cottage cheese bring creamy richness. Together, they create layers of flavor that meld wonderfully, making every bite satisfying.

• 1 pound ground beef: The core of this dish, providing a savory richness and protein.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing, adding a rich flavor to the ground beef.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses the dish with a warm, garlicky flavor.
• 8 ounces tomato sauce: Adds moisture and tanginess to balance the creamy ingredients.
• 1 cup cottage cheese: Provides creaminess and texture, making the bake rich.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess and helps hold the dish together.
• 1/4 cup diced onion: Offers sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• 8 ounces noodles, cooked and drained: The base of the casserole, absorbing flavors and adding body.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Final topping that crisps up beautifully and adds a cheesy flavor.

Putting Together Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Creating Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a joyfully simple process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps to bring this comforting dish to your table.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bake will cook evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Once melted, add in the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s nicely browned, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to have a lovely golden color.
3. Once the beef is browned, season it with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. While the meat is simmering, take a mixing bowl and combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, diced onion, and cooked noodles. Mix until everything is well incorporated, creating a creamy, dreamy mixture.
5. Now, it’s time to assemble! In a 2-quart casserole dish, start layering. Begin with half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, ensuring the last layer is the meat mixture.
6. Top the entire dish with the shredded cheddar cheese. This will create a deliciously golden crust as it bakes.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
9. Grab a spatula, scoop out a generous portion, and enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!

Customization Ideas

Looking to make Sour Cream Noodle Bake your own? Here are some customization ideas to explore:

• Mix in Vegetables: Add some cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the meat mixture.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick, reheatable meal any time!
• Pair it with a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Accompaniments for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Serving Sour Cream Noodle Bake can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Side Salads: Pair with a crisp garden salad or a Caesar salad to add freshness.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for that perfect combination of flavors.
• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables make a nutritious side. Think broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or holiday parties with friends.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until heated through or use the microwave for individual portions.
• Meal Prep: This casserole is ideal for meal prep, so consider making a double batch for busy weeknights.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sour Cream Noodle Bake is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its creamy layers and deliciously seasoned beef, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. You won’t regret making this delightful bake!

Sour Cream Noodle Bake

The ultimate comfort food, Sour Cream Noodle Bake combines creamy, cheesy layers with savory ground beef for an easy weeknight dinner. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and a family favorite that you'll want to make tonight.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Diced Onion
• 8 ounces Noodles
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Add salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, onions, and noodles.
5. In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the noodle mixture and half of the meat mixture. Repeat, ending with the meat mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for later enjoyment.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
• Meal Prep: Make a double batch for busy nights.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.