Description
Hearty midwestern “sour cream noodle bake” brings comfort directly from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender noodles combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the casserole.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly breaking down meat and eliminating excess grease through careful draining.
- Infuse meat with rich tomato sauce, allowing flavors to meld together during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
- Whisk cottage cheese and sour cream into a smooth, creamy mixture that will add luxurious texture to the dish.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring noodles are perfectly cooked and well-drained.
- Create the first layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading half the noodles as a foundational base.
- Distribute half the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the noodle foundation.
- Spread half the cottage cheese and sour cream blend over the meat layer, creating a rich, creamy stratum.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, meat, and cheese mixture.
- Generously dust the top with Parmesan cheese, adding a crisp, savory finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and cheese is lightly golden.
Notes
- Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or mozzarella to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg