Sour Cream Noodle Bake

The first time I made this bake was as a college student trying to impress friends. It quickly became my go to recipe for potlucks and cozy nights because it never leaves anyone hungry.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose fresh beef for a rich and hearty flavor Look for eighty percent lean for the best balance in taste and texture
• Sweet onion: Helps build sweetness and depth in the sauce Dice them small for even cooking
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring out the most aroma and complexity in the beef mixture
• Tomato sauce: Adds moisture tang and savory richness Use a quality brand with minimal added sugar
• Salt and black pepper: These are essential for seasoning every layer Kosher salt recommended for best results
• Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles hold sauce well and bake perfectly Tender noodles are important so cook them just until al dente
• Small curd cottage cheese: Brings creaminess and slight tang in the noodle layer Smaller curds mean a smoother bite Try for full fat cottage cheese
• Sour cream: Makes the noodles extra rich and moist Pick one with no additives for best texture
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These boost the flavor without overpowering and blend smoothly in the cheese mix
• Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a mild buttery taste Always shred your own cheese for best melting

Instructions

Prep and Preheat:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with oil so nothing sticks and set aside

Cook the Beef and Onion:

In a large skillet over medium high heat add the ground beef and sweet onion Break up the meat as it cooks and let it go for eight to ten minutes until the beef is browned and the onion softens This step is key to creating the rich base for your sauce

Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce:

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for thirty seconds The aroma should be noticeable and the garlic will lose its raw edge Add the tomato sauce salt and black pepper Stir and bring everything to a low simmer Let it bubble gently for fifteen minutes uncovered This thickens and concentrates the flavors

Boil the Egg Noodles:

While the sauce simmers fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions Usually this is six to seven minutes Drain the noodles well but do not overcook You want them sturdy enough for baking

Mix the Cheese and Noodles:

In a large mixing bowl combine the cottage cheese sour cream salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder Use a large spoon to blend it all together Stir in the drained noodles gently so they are coated in the creamy mixture

Assemble the Layers:

Spoon half the dressed noodles into the bottom of your prepared baking dish Spread it out evenly Add half of the beef tomato sauce over the noodles and then sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top

Add the Second Layer:

Repeat with the rest of the noodles then the remaining meat sauce and top everything with the last of the cheese Make sure you reach the edges so every bite has flavor

Bake Until Golden:

Place the casserole in your hot oven and bake for about twenty minutes The cheese should be melted an