This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is sure to become a family favorite with the gooey cheese, hearty beef, and tomato sauce. It's easy to make and is packed with delicious flavors. Plus, it's perfect for a weeknight family dinner or potlucks and gatherings.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time50 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, ground beef, make ahead
Servings: 10Servings
Calories: 282kcal
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2CupsShredded Cheesedivided, I used Mexican blend; Monterey jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheese
Instructions
Step 1. Begin by boiling water in a large kettle. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, and add to a large bowl. Pro Tip. How to test for al dente. Al dente pasts will have some resistance, yet the pasta will still be tender when you bit into it.
16 Ounces Penne Pasta
Step 2. While the pasta is cooking, start working on the beef mixture. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, add the diced onion, and cook until translucent. Pro Tip. Drain the fat off the meat before adding the tomato sauces.
2 Pounds Ground Beef, 1 Medium Onion
Step 3. Add the tomato sauces. I used two jarred sauces for lots of extra flavor: tomato and basil, and roasted garlic.
24 Ounces Tomato Sauce, 24 Ounces Tomato Sauce
Step 4. Add the seasonings, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer while working on the pasta mixture.
¾ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, ¾ Teaspoon Black Pepper, ¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Step 5. Add the sour cream and cottage cheese to the cooked pasta in the large bowl. Stir to combine.
8 Ounces Sour Cream, 22 Ounces Cottage Cheese
Step 6. Assembly. In a prepared 9 x 13 baking dish, add half of the noodles, next spoon half the meat mixture over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the process layering on the rest of the pasta mixture, beef mixture and the rest of the shredded cheese.
2 Cups Shredded Cheese
Step 7. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
How Long Does Sour Cream Noodle Bake Last in the Refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 4 months.
Make Ahead Pasta Casserole
Make this dish a day ahead of time. Just assemble, cover, and store in the refrigerator in a baking container that is safe to go from the refrigerator to the oven. When baking add extra time to allow for the cooler temperature of the casserole when starting; approximately 10 minutes.