Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, but add a little extra olive oil when browning and bump up the seasonings since poultry is milder.

Do I have to use cottage cheese?

No. Use ricotta or more sour cream. Cottage cheese gives great body and protein, but it’s flexible.

Can I add vegetables without making it watery?

Yes. Sauté mushrooms or zucchini first to cook off moisture, then fold them into the sauce.

What’s the best pan to use?

A 9x13 ceramic or metal baking pan. Metal runs hotter, so check a few minutes early for bubbling.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or use pepper jack. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce works too.

Savor Every Bite of Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Description

A comforting and pantry-friendly casserole featuring ground beef, wide egg noodles, and a creamy trio of sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, topped with mozzarella and cheddar for a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef (85 or 90% lean) (Provides flavor without too much grease.)
1 medium onion, chopped (Adds depth to the sauce.)
2 cloves garlic, minced (Enhances flavor.)
15 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (For body and brightness.)
1 tbsp tomato paste (Optional for added richness.)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning (For flavoring the sauce.)
1 pinch sugar (To reduce acidity if needed.)
1 tsp salt (For seasoning.)
1 tsp pepper (For seasoning.)

Pasta

8 oz wide egg noodles (Holds sauce and maintains shape.)

Creamy Mixture

1 cup sour cream (Adds tanginess.)
1 cup cottage cheese (Provides body and protein.)
4 oz cream cheese (Optional for a silkier texture.)

Toppings

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Melts smoothly.)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Adds flavor.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and season with salt and pepper.
Once beef is browned, push it to one side and add chopped onions, cooking until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Boil wide egg noodles in salted water until just al dente, drain, and toss with a touch of olive oil.

Assembly

In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese until well combined.
Spread half of the meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish, add the creamy noodle mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.

Baking

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Use full-fat dairy for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American