This Sour Cream Noodle Bake, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is set to become a family favorite for your weeknight dinners. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible cheesy, creamy goodness. If you’re a fan of easy, comforting pasta dishes, this recipe is a must-try.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman inspired Sour Cream Noodle Bake, showcasing the golden-brown cheesy topping and noodle layers, perfect for a family weeknight meal.
Like many home cooks, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and straightforward, especially for busy weeknights. Pasta bakes are a regular rotation in my kitchen because they are inherently satisfying and require minimal fuss. This particular Sour Cream Noodle Bake Pioneer recipe, adapted from the renowned Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, elevates the classic comfort food to a whole new level of flavor and ease.
My journey with this recipe began when I stumbled upon it through another food blogger who had given it rave reviews. Intrigued by the simplicity and the promise of a crowd-pleasing meal, I decided to try it myself. Long before I was acquainted with Ree Drummond’s Food Network fame, this noodle bake had already won my heart. It was only later that I realized this gem originated from The Pioneer Woman herself! Now, with a few of her cookbooks in my collection, I appreciate the genius behind her approachable and flavorful recipes, and this sour cream noodle bake is a prime example.
Overhead view of a freshly baked Sour Cream Noodle Bake in a casserole dish, displaying the layers of noodles, meat sauce, and melted cheese, ready to be served as a hearty family dinner.
While the original Pioneer Woman recipe is fantastic as is, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches to amplify the flavors. Incorporating diced onion and minced garlic into the ground beef mixture adds a foundational savory depth that truly enhances the overall dish. Ree Drummond sometimes suggests including green onions in her sour cream mixture, which is a lovely addition for those who enjoy a bit of fresh onion flavor. However, catering to personal preferences, I often skip the green onions in the mixture but might use them as a vibrant garnish. For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider sprinkling French’s fried onions over the cheese during the final minutes of baking. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy bake beautifully. Trust me, once you introduce your family to this pioneer-inspired sour cream noodle bake, it’s going to be a requested meal for years to come.
Square image of Sour Cream Noodle Bake, ideal for social media sharing, highlighting the cheesy top and rich texture of this easy and delicious family-friendly casserole.
Pioneer Woman’s Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Noodle Bake recipe is an effortless main course that promises to gather everyone around your dinner table with smiles.
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Recipe Inspiration: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 1 garlic clove, 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. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the beef is nearly browned and the onions have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer while you prepare the remaining components.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the sour cream mixture to the cooked and drained egg noodles. Toss to ensure the noodles are thoroughly coated.
- To assemble the sour cream noodle bake, spread half of the noodle mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles, and then sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese on top of the sauce. Repeat these layers once more, starting with the remaining noodles, then the meat sauce, and finally the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bake is heated through.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This pioneer-style sour cream noodle bake is delicious served immediately with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
