Craving a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and satisfyingly delicious? Look no further than the noodle casserole, a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights. And when it comes to noodle casserole inspiration, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is a go-to source for heartwarming, family-friendly recipes. This sour cream noodle bake, adapted from Pioneer Woman’s classic style, will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
What makes a noodle casserole so appealing? It’s the ultimate in comfort food. Imagine tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together, making it an ideal solution for those evenings when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal.
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is an easy weeknight meal that
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman inspired noodle casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability. With just a few pantry staples and some ground beef, you can create a dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit. The recipe is wonderfully forgiving, allowing for easy substitutions and additions to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. Want to boost the flavor? Sautéing onions and garlic with the ground beef, as incorporated in this recipe, adds a depth of savory notes that elevates the entire dish.
This recipe takes cues from the beloved Pioneer Woman’s approach to cooking – practical, approachable, and utterly delicious. Ree Drummond has a knack for creating recipes that are both comforting and crowd-pleasing, and this noodle casserole embodies that spirit perfectly. While the original recipe may have subtle variations, this version focuses on enhancing the flavor profile with simple additions like onion and garlic, ensuring a truly memorable meal.
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is an easy weeknight meal that
The combination of sour cream and cottage cheese creates a uniquely tangy and creamy sauce that coats the noodles beautifully, preventing the casserole from becoming dry. The ground beef, simmered in tomato sauce, provides a hearty and savory counterpoint to the creamy sauce. And let’s not forget the cheddar cheese – it melts into a golden, gooey topping that adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting bake.
For those who like to customize, there are endless possibilities to make this noodle casserole your own. Consider adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Spice lovers might enjoy a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a sprinkle of French fried onions during the last few minutes of baking adds a delightful crunch and savory onion flavor, reminiscent of classic casserole toppings.
This Pioneer Woman style noodle casserole is more than just an easy dinner; it’s a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Serve it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe (Pioneer Woman Inspired)
This easy Sour Cream Noodle Bake is inspired by the comforting and approachable recipes of the Pioneer Woman, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Pioneer Technology Content Creator (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is mostly browned and the onions have softened, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stir to combine with the beef mixture, and let it simmer gently while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add the sour cream mixture to the cooked and drained egg noodles. Stir to evenly coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
- To assemble the casserole, spread half of the coated noodles in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, and then sprinkle over half of the grated cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more, using the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy! We recommend serving with a side salad and crusty bread.
