Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a delightful dish that combines hearty flavors and creamy textures, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. The combination of ground beef, egg noodles, and rich sour cream creates a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoyable for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious casserole, share personal stories, and provide tips to make it even more special.
A Personal Story Behind My Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday. One of the highlights of those meals was my grandmother’s sour cream beef noodle casserole. The aroma of baked cheese and savory beef would fill the house, bringing everyone together. This dish not only nourished our bodies but also our hearts, creating lasting memories that I cherish to this day. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can create your own family memories.
What Makes This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe Special?
What sets this casserole apart is its creamy texture and the delightful blend of flavors. The sour cream and cottage cheese add a layer of richness that elevates the dish, while the ground beef provides a satisfying protein. It’s versatile too—feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that simplifies cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The Full Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 g) small curd cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) diced green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Tip: Make sure to break the meat into small pieces for even cooking.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the water. Tip: Rinse the noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, diced green onions, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooked noodles until well mixed.
- Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread half of the noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the meat mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture, meat mixture, and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Tip: Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning the cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further by serving it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For variations, consider adding cooked vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to switch up the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish Use a 9x13 inch dish for best results.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz or 425 g
- 0.25 cup diced green onions
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, diced green onions, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooked noodles until well mixed.
- Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray. Spread half of the noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the meat mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture, meat mixture, and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.