Hungarian Noodle Bake, also known as “Tészta” or “Rakott Tészta”, is a hearty and comforting dish that’s often made with egg noodles, a rich meat sauce, and cheese. It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd and is packed with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Hungarian noodle bake.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz egg noodles (about 3/4 of a standard package)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet Hungarian paprika is ideal)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef (or your choice of meat) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Assemble the Noodle Bake: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked noodles on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture. Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the meat sauce (about half of the sour cream). Repeat the layers: noodles, meat sauce, and the remaining sour cream.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
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Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the Hungarian Noodle Bake rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with a side of pickles or a fresh salad!
Tips:
- Meat options: You can use ground pork, beef, or even chicken for variety. Some recipes also include sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and even a bit of Parmesan for a richer topping.
- Add veggies: For extra flavor and texture, you can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to the sauce mixture.
This Hungarian Noodle Bake is filling, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy!
