If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s full of rich flavors and creamy goodness, you absolutely have to try this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. This dish brings together tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a luscious blend of sour cream and cottage cheese, all topped with a melty, cheesy crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or anytime you want a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the wide egg noodles that provide a perfect bite, to the combination of cheeses that create that irresistible gooey topping, every component is essential and thoughtfully chosen.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: These noodles hold sauce wonderfully and bring a comforting, tender base to the bake.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and protein to the dish without overwhelming it.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Infuses subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch to balance the richness.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth that enhances all the flavors.
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce (I used RAO’s brand): Brings bright, tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided): Adds a bit of kick and complexity to every bite.
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese: Creamy and mild, it helps create the luscious texture in the bake.
- ½ cup sour cream: The star ingredient that adds tanginess and creamy richness—don’t skip this!
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions: Offers freshness and a punch of mild onion flavor to the creamy mixture.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups mild cheddar, 1½ cups Monterey Jack): Melts beautifully on top to create that perfect golden crust.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray—this ensures your delicious bake won’t stick and comes out easily after cooking. Next, bring a large pot of water to a low boil and cook the wide egg noodles until they are al dente, meaning they should be just tender with a tiny bit of bite remaining. This prevents sogginess once baked. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to halt further cooking and set them aside for the assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
While your noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, chopped sweet onion, and minced garlic. Stir regularly as the beef browns and the onions soften, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste. Return the skillet to medium heat and stir in your marinara sauce along with half the salt and pepper. Let it simmer just until bubbling gently to marry the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. This mixture is where that signature tangy creaminess of the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe forms, adding softness and richness to the noodles.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Creamy Mixture
Add the cooled noodles to the sour cream mixture and gently stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated. This step is key for achieving that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish so special.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bake
Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. Then, spoon half of the savory ground beef sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly on top to start building a cheesy crust. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, beef sauce, and finish by topping with the last cup of shredded cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, browned at the edges, and the ground beef mixture is bubbling deliciously. This baking time lets the flavors meld beautifully while achieving that irresistible melty topping everyone loves.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh green onion slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley on top right after baking not only boosts the visual appeal but also infuses a hint of fresh brightness that complements the richness beautifully. A dollop of sour cream on the side is also a lovely touch!
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty, so pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette is a great way to balance the meal. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also bring in freshness and an earthy counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe shine at any gathering, serve it in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layer it in clear glass baking dishes to show off those beautiful cheesy and tomato layers. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top for added texture and pizzazz before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, cover your leftover Sour Cream Noodle Bake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy and delicious lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! After assembling but before baking, cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. For larger quantities, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—about 15 to 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this bake?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy and meaty layers, you can substitute with other pasta like rigatoni or penne. Just make sure to cook them to al dente for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe?
Yes! You can easily swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. This still delivers a satisfying texture and hearty flavor without the meat.
Can I make the bake spicier?
Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a bit of heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy tang of sour cream.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
The combination of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a smooth melt and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream, and reduce the amount of cheese on top. You’ll still get a delicious, creamy dish with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort meals, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home on a plate, bringing together simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying experience. Trust me, once you try it, this will be a staple in your recipe rotation for cozy dinners that warm both body and soul.
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and a creamy mixture of cottage cheese and sour cream, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked dish combines rich flavors and textures in one easy-to-make meal.
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 (e.g., RAO’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
Creamy Mixture
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions
Topping
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1 ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Egg 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 the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any excess oil or fat from the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the beef mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Cook just until the mixture starts to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine Noodles and Creamy Mixture: Add the cooked and cooled egg noodles to the creamy mixture and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble First Layer: Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Ground Beef Layer: Spoon half of the ground beef and marinara sauce mixture over the sour cream noodle layer in the baking dish.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the ground beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers in the same order: the remaining sour cream noodle mixture, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture, and finally top with the last 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ground beef mixture is hot and simmering.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds a wonderful creaminess and melt to this bake.
- Rinsing the noodles with cold water stops them from overcooking and helps prevent the bake from becoming mushy.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese, but lower-fat versions work well too.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking, just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- Feel free to add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms in with the onions for extra veggies.
