Sour Cream Noodle Bak

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the meat sauce
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Season & simmer
   Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
   Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make the creamy noodle mixture
   In a bowl, mix sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
   Gently fold in the cooked noodles.
5. Assemble the bake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   Spread half of the noodle mixture on the bottom.
   Top with half of the meat sauce.
   Repeat layers and finish with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad or garlic bread
• Great for meal prep and freezes well