If you are looking for a comforting dish that brings creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors all in one, then this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This casserole-style masterpiece layers tender egg noodles with savory ground beef, rich sour cream, cottage cheese, and a blend of melting cheeses, creating a cozy dinner that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a crowd-pleaser for a casual get-together, it’s a straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of pantry staples is all you need to pull together this delicious Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy tang of sour cream to the savory beef and melty cheese that bring everything together with rich flavor and wonderful texture.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: Choose wide noodles as they hold the creamy layers beautifully and add substance.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a hearty base with plenty of savory flavor while keeping it lean.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: Gives a gentle aromatic kick without overpowering.
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomatoey sauce brings moisture and bright acidity; RAO’s brand works great here.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Essential for seasoning in layers for balanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided): Adds a touch of heat and complexity throughout.
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese: Offers mild creaminess and a slight tang, contrasting the sour cream.
- ½ cup sour cream: The star ingredient that makes this noodle bake luxuriously creamy and rich.
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions: Freshens up the dish with a mild oniony crunch.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1 ½ cup cheddar + 1 ½ cup Monterey Jack): A melty cheese combo that gives a gooey, flavorful, and slightly sharp topping.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and cook the noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup. Bring a large pot of water to a low boil and cook the wide egg noodles until al dente, about the texture that’s tender yet still has a slight bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking—this step keeps your noodles perfect during baking.
Step 2: Cook the beef mixture
While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic, stirring frequently as the beef browns and onions soften. Once the beef is no longer pink, carefully drain any excess grease for a less oily bake. Then return the beef and onions to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and stir in the marinara sauce along with half of the salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently until it just bubbles—this infuses the beef with rich tomato flavor.
Step 3: Mix the creamy layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. This creamy blend will coat the noodles and add the signature tangy flair that sets this dish apart. Gently fold the cooked and cooled noodles into this mixture until every noodle is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Layer the bake
Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, layer half of the savory ground beef mixture on top. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef layer for that irresistible melty finish. Repeat this layering process with the remaining sour cream noodles, beef mixture, and finish by topping everything with the last cup of cheese. This layering technique ensures each bite has a delicious balance of textures.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a bubbly golden topping and the beef mixture is heated through and bubbling at the edges. Serve immediately while it’s warmly inviting and oozing cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional sliced green onions can add a bright pop of color and freshness to your Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. For a little extra texture and flavor, try scattering some toasted breadcrumbs or a dusting of smoked paprika on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This rich noodle bake pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the dish with lighten freshness. Steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad work beautifully and add a crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try preparing individual ramekins of the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe for personal portions. This adds a charming touch for dinner parties or makes great leftovers look extra special. Alternatively, serve with crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up every bit of cheesy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it a delicious second-day meal that heats up beautifully.
Freezing
This casserole freezes delightfully well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven ensures the cheese topping stays pleasant and melty without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles give the best texture and hold the creamy sauce well, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even pasta shells if you prefer.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain a flavorful dish.
Can I make the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What type of sour cream works best?
Regular sour cream with about 4% fat content works wonderfully here for creaminess and tang. Low-fat versions can be used, but you might lose a bit of richness.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Mix in cooked spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the beef mixture to sneak in some veggies and add more color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe when you want a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with savory beef and tangy sour cream create a dish everyone will adore. Give it a try for your next family dinner or casual get-together—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, creamy cottage cheese and sour cream mixture, and a generous topping of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is ideal for family dinners and serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce (RAO’s brand recommended)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided in half)
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided in half)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions
Cheese Topping
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent further cooking.
- Brown Ground Beef: While noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Oil: Drain any excess oil from the cooked ground beef mixture to reduce greasiness, then return the beef and onions to the skillet and lower heat to medium.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Cook just until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Noodles and Cream Mixture: Add the cooled cooked egg noodles to the sour cream mixture. Stir carefully until noodles are well coated.
- Layer First Layer: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Ground Beef Layer: Spoon half of the ground beef and marinara sauce mixture evenly over the noodle layer.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining sour cream noodle mixture, then the remaining ground beef mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the final 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top to finish the bake.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Rinsing noodles with cold water stops cooking and prevents mushiness.
- Feel free to substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato-based sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; extend baking time by 5-10 minutes if baked cold.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
