Hungarian Noodle Bake – Comfort Food with a Twist of Eastern Europe!
This hearty and creamy casserole brings together egg noodles, paprika-spiced ground beef, and a rich sour cream sauce for a satisfying family dinner.
Growing up, my grandma used to make a version of this dish every Sunday—she called it her “lazy lasagna” but with a Hungarian heart. The bold flavors of paprika, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese made it unforgettable, and every bite feels like home. Now, it’s my go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Hungarian paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until fully cooked. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix in cooked noodles.
- Layer half of the noodle mixture in a greased baking dish, then add half of the beef mixture and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Hungarian Noodle Bake | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Egg noodles, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar |
| Instructions | Cook noodles and beef, mix with dairy and tomatoes, layer, bake, garnish |
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and lightens up the dish a bit.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely. Assemble, wrap well, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Q: What type of paprika is best?
Hungarian sweet paprika gives the most authentic flavor, but smoked works for a deeper kick.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Feel free to mix in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
