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:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cornbread Topping:

12 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Make the Sauce:
- 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.
Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Bake:
- 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.
Top with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
- 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.
Serve:
- Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

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.