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

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray and set it aside. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the Beef and Onions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced sweet onion. Cook, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until the beef is browned and no pink remains, and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. This step builds the savory base of your casserole.
Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the rich, hearty flavors of the sauce.
Prepare the Noodles:

While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain them well and set aside. The noodles will form the base of the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Mix the Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the small curd cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture adds a delightful tangy richness to the dish.
Assemble the Casserole:

Add the cooked and drained noodles to the bowl with the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated. Layer half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Bake and Serve:

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The melted cheese on top creates a delicious, golden crust that perfectly complements the creamy layers below.
Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness of this comforting noodle bake.

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!