Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy and Cheesy: The sour cream and cheese mixture creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
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Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a great option for busy nights.
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Comforting and Hearty: This dish is filling and comforting, perfect for cooler nights or when you need a comforting meal.
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Customizable: You can adjust the protein (beef, turkey, or even vegetarian) and spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 tablespoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.
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Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
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Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese mixture.
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Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Allow the sour cream noodle bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
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Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mix of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
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Add Veggies: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
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Use Different Cheeses: Try using a blend of cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack in place of or alongside the mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover sour cream noodle bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure to cook it according to the package instructions before assembling the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can work great in this recipe.
Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter version, though ricotta adds creaminess to the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the best of pasta and a casserole into one hearty meal. With a savory beef mixture, creamy cheese filling, and a bubbly mozzarella topping, this is a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love. Whether you serve it for dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole made with pasta, a savory beef mixture, and a creamy sour cream filling. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s an easy, satisfying meal for everyone.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
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12 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook the Noodles:
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Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Make the Sauce:
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Stir in diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.
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Mix the Cheese Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
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Assemble the Bake:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese mixture.
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Top with Mozzarella:
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
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Bake:
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
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Notes
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mix of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture for more flavor.Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.Use Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
