Ah, the aromatic allure of a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven! Picture this: layers of tender noodles enveloped in creamy goodness, mingling with savory ground beef and zesty spices. The moment you crack open that crispy golden layer on top, a waft of cheesy delight fills your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. This is not just any dish; this is the beloved Sour Cream Noodle Bake—a culinary hug that’s perfect for those cozy nights in or when you want to impress at family gatherings.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of pasta for Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
- Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
- How can I make Sour Cream Noodle Bake ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had your fair share of kitchen mishaps. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe; let’s just say my noodles ended up more like a gooey glue than a gourmet dish! But after some trial and error—and maybe a little too much tasting—I finally nailed it. Now, I whip it up effortlessly and watch as everyone scrapes their plates clean. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners when you want something comforting yet impressive. So let’s dive into making this unforgettable Sour Cream Noodle Bake together!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible Sour Cream Noodle Bake combines ease of preparation with rich flavors that please even picky eaters
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers for versatile meal options
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions where you want to wow your guests!
I still chuckle remembering how my friends nearly fought over the last spoonful at our potluck last month—talk about a compliment!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Egg Noodles: Choose wide egg noodles as they hold sauce well and provide great texture.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without excessive grease.
- Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds gooey deliciousness to each bite.
- Diced Onion: Fresh onions add sweetness; sauté them until they’re translucent for the best flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: A simple tomato sauce binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings all the flavors together with its aromatic notes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors present in the bake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish because we’re about to create something magical!
Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a large pot and add egg noodles. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with diced onion until fully cooked and onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes should do it.
Add Sauces: Drain any excess grease from the skillet and stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes so flavors meld.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles with sour cream and half of your shredded cheese. Gently fold until everything is well coated.
Layer It Up: Spread half of your noodle mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Top with all of your beef mixture then layer on remaining noodles before finishing off with leftover cheese on top.
Bake It: Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown—trust me; you’ll be salivating by now!
Enjoy serving this delightful casserole piping hot! You might want to pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Now you have an amazing recipe for Sour Cream Noodle Bake that not only satisfies but also warms hearts! Enjoy every bite as laughter fills your kitchen while memories are made around the dinner table.
You Must Know
- Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty noodles
- It’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings
- The aroma while baking fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- This dish is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your noodles while browning the meat. This multitasking helps save time and ensures everything is hot and ready together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add spinach for extra veggies. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a rich flavor, use full-fat sour cream and whole milk
- Don’t skimp on the cheese; it creates that delicious gooeyness we all crave
- Let the dish sit before serving for easier slicing
Sharing this Sour Cream Noodle Bake recipe reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter and seconds requested from every corner of the table.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based meat alternatives and add more vegetables for a hearty meal.
How can I make Sour Cream Noodle Bake ahead of time?
Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge; just bake before serving!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheddar—perfect for family dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 diced onion
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles with sour cream and half of the cheese.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by the beef mixture. Top with remaining noodles and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the bake (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
