Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s Sour Cream Noodle Bake! This timeless recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. With layers of flavorful ground beef, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this classic comfort food dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz uncooked egg noodles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Noodles: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and garnish the casserole with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the meat sauce, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would all work well in this recipe.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For a keto or low-carb version of The Pioneer Woman’s Sour Cream Noodle Bake, you can make the following modifications:
- Replace the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- Omit the tomato sauce or use a low-carb marinara sauce to reduce the carb content.
In conclusion, The Pioneer Woman’s Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy sour cream mixture, and cheesy topping, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort food perfection with this delicious Sour Cream Noodle Bake!
