Introduction:
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender egg noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy sour cream mixture, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to make. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240ml) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup (75g) green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup (75g) mushrooms, sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Combine the Sour Cream Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles.
- Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Top with half of the beef mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g
Recommendation:
Serve this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s also great for meal prep, as leftovers can be easily reheated for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner. Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture of this classic casserole!
Enjoy your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole!