Description
A creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish layered with seasoned ground beef, noodles, and a rich sour cream mixture. This comforting American main course combines tender egg noodles, a savory tomato-meat sauce, and a luscious blend of sour cream and cottage cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with melted cheddar on top.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz egg noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the noodle casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Stir in the tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix Dairy: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of the cooked noodles, followed by a layer of the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, then a layer of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more, topping the final layer with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the noodle bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt without sacrificing creaminess.
- This casserole tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
