Craving a dinner that’s both incredibly easy to make and deeply satisfying? Look no further than the Sour Cream Noodle Bake By Pioneer Woman. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and flavorful meal on the table without fuss. As a self-confessed lover of all things carb-related, I can tell you firsthand that pasta dishes like this one are a staple in my kitchen. There’s something undeniably magical about a bubbling, cheesy bake that brings everyone together.
Overhead view of a delicious sour cream noodle bake in a baking dish, showcasing the golden-brown melted cheese topping and creamy noodle filling, perfect for a family weeknight meal.
My journey with this recipe started years ago, stumbling upon it within a menu plan from a fellow blogger, Kristan from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. Having already enjoyed Kristan’s culinary creations, her endorsement was enough to pique my interest. Little did I know then, this delightful noodle bake originated from the queen of comforting home cooking herself, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Before her Food Network fame fully reached my household, I was already hooked on this dish. Now, with a collection of Ree’s cookbooks, I appreciate this recipe even more as a testament to her genius for simple, delicious family meals.
Close-up shot of a serving of sour cream noodle bake on a plate, highlighting the texture of the egg noodles, savory ground beef mixture, and rich cheese, inviting viewers to try this classic comfort food.
What makes this sour cream noodle bake recipe by Pioneer Woman truly shine is its adaptability and robust flavor profile. While the original recipe is wonderfully straightforward, I’ve incorporated a few personal touches to elevate the taste even further. The addition of sautéed onion and garlic to the ground beef base introduces a layer of aromatic depth that significantly enhances the savory notes of the dish. Ree Drummond often suggests incorporating green onions into the sour cream mixture, which is a fantastic tip for added freshness. Although my family sometimes prefers to skip the green onions directly in the bake, they make a vibrant and flavorful garnish. For an extra textural element, consider scattering French fried onions over the cheese during the final minutes of baking – the added crunch is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you introduce your family to this Pioneer Woman sour cream noodle bake, it’s bound to become a requested favorite time and time again.
Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake inspired by Pioneer Woman is an easy weeknight meal that’ll have everyone running to the dinner table!
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium-sized yellow onion, peeled & diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- One 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 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 yellow onions, cook until the beef is almost completely browned and the onions have softened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet, 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 rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, small curd cottage cheese, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Add the sour cream mixture to the cooked egg noodles and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- To assemble the sour cream noodle bake casserole, spread half of the noodle mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Top the noodles with half of the prepared meat sauce, and then sprinkle half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat these layers one more time, starting with the remaining noodles, then meat sauce, and finally topping with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the Pioneer Woman’s sour cream noodle bake to sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
