Sour Cream and Ground Beef Layered Casserole
🕒 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the comfort of a classic casserole that has stood the test of time, beloved by families for generations. This Sour Cream and Ground Beef Layered Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a symphony of savory goodness in every bite. Easily adaptable to personal preferences, it’s a versatile dish that invites creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
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Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
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Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef with diced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
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Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle with sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper halfway through the cooking time to enhance the flavors.
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Layer Meat Mixture: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream at low speed until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped green onion until well combined.
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Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the ground beef layer in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
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Add Noodles: Arrange the cooked noodles over the cream cheese layer, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
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Top with Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the noodles, adding a rich and gooey topping that will melt into perfection.
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Finish with Paprika: Sprinkle a dash of paprika over the cheese layer, adding a pop of color and subtle smokiness to the dish.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve up generous portions of this delectable Sour Cream and Ground Beef Layered Casserole, savoring each spoonful of comforting goodness.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 551.4
- Fat Content: 37.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 163.2mg
- Sodium Content: 669.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 17.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 5.8g
- Protein Content: 35.5g
Serving Size:
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. Adjust serving sizes as needed to accommodate your appetite and the number of guests you’re serving.
