Absolutely adore this! Could eat this over and over!

Ground Beef Sour Cream Noodle Bake is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Growing up in the Midwest, casseroles were a staple at family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. This recipe is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, and tender noodles, all baked to perfection. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the bake. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition to soak up any extra sauce. For a bit of tang, consider serving it with pickled beets or a cucumber salad.

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
8 ounces egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the salt, pepper, oregano, and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese.

Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Spread the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.

Add the remaining noodles on top.

Pour the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you're looking to add more veggies, consider mixing in some spinach or bell peppers with the beef. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.