Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake, a dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy goodness with a hearty meat sauce. This casserole is a delightful blend of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a luscious mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese, all layered together and baked to perfection. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. With its warm, inviting flavors and satisfying textures, this noodle bake is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• For the Sauce Mixture:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, 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

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced sweet onion over medium-high heat until browned and softened, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
4. Cook egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well mixed.
6. Add cooked noodles to the cottage cheese mixture and coat evenly. Layer half of the noodle mixture in the baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip: For a little extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You can also substitute the Colby Jack cheese with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheesy twist. If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.

Conclusion: This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is the epitome of comfort food, combining the creamy, tangy richness of sour cream and cottage cheese with the savory satisfaction of a homemade meat sauce. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, as it reheats beautifully. With its layers of flavor and comforting texture, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So, dig in and enjoy the delicious warmth of this classic dish!