Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with the most creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy Instant Pot Sour Cream Noodle Bake that will have your family begging for seconds! This mouthwatering one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes, proving that gourmet comfort food is within everyone's reach. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves incredible flavor without endless kitchen work, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them out precisely. Ensure ground beef is thawed if previously frozen.
- Brown ground beef in Instant Pot using sauté mode. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until meat is no longer pink and fully crumbled, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from ground beef, leaving a small amount for flavor. Remove beef from Instant Pot and set aside temporarily.
- In the same Instant Pot, add egg noodles and cover with water, ensuring noodles are just submerged. Cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes until noodles are al dente.
- Quick release pressure and drain most of the cooking liquid, leaving just a small amount to prevent sticking.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese into the noodles. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Fold the browned ground beef back into the noodle mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Top the mixture with remaining shredded cheese, creating an even layer.
- Close Instant Pot lid and set to cook on low pressure for 5 minutes to meld flavors and melt cheese.
- Allow natural pressure release for 3-4 minutes, then carefully open lid.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 works best) to ensure juiciness.
- Don't overcook the noodles - aim for al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup for richer, more indulgent results.
- Allow the casserole to rest after cooking to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- For a crispy top, consider a quick broil in the oven after Instant Pot cooking.
- Customize by adding diced onions, using different cheese blends, or incorporating fresh herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or Instant Pot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
