If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy textures and savory flavors, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an incredibly satisfying casserole where tender egg noodles mingle with rich ground beef, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheese. The balance of savory tomato sauce and fresh green onions adds just the right brightness. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a wholesome meal prep option, this recipe feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe so irresistible.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: The perfect base, these noodles are sturdy and tender, holding up beautifully under all that saucy goodness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, protein-packed component with a rich, savory taste.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: A small punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce: Brings a tangy, tomatoey vibrancy that infuses the bake with comforting warmth; RAO’s brand works wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided): Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- 1¼ cups 4% small curd cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the sour cream.
- ½ cup sour cream: The star ingredient that gives the bake its luscious, velvety texture and a mild tartness.
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions: Introduces a fresh, mild crunch and a pop of color.
- 3 cups shredded cheese: A blend of 1 ½ cups mild cheddar and 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack creates that perfect gooey, golden crust.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure an easy release later. Bring water to a gentle boil in a large saucepan, then add your wide egg noodles. Cook them until al dente, so they have a nice bite and don’t get mushy in the bake. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; this keeps them from becoming overcooked in the casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Mixture
While your noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the finely chopped yellow onions and minced garlic. Stir often to break up the beef and cook until it loses its pink color and everything is nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Simmer with Marinara Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the marinara sauce along with half the salt and pepper. Let everything simmer gently until bubbling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside this savory mixture.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Noodle Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. Add your cooked, cooled noodles into this creamy mixture and stir until every noodle is evenly coated, ensuring each bite is decadently creamy and flavorful.
Step 5: Layer Your Bake
Begin by spreading half of the sour cream and noodle mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, spoon half of the ground beef and marinara mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups of your shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy buffer layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining sour cream noodles, ground beef mixture, and finish by topping with the last 1 cup of shredded cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. You want the cheese melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, while the entire dish should be piping hot from edge to edge. Once out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes so it sets up nicely before digging in.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh burst and a bit of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or additional sliced green onions right before serving. A light drizzle of sour cream on top can also amp up the creaminess and make it look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads to balance the richness, such as a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce straight from the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You could also sprinkle some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes on top to add a smoky or spicy kick that complements the creamy layers inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the cheese topping from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time for busy nights, freeze the entire bake before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. You can skip the foil in the last few minutes for the cheese topping to regain its melty, slightly crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are recommended for their texture, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even rigatoni to suit your preference. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up in the bake.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. The layers of creamy sour cream and cheese will still create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for sour cream and cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat versions to lighten the dish, but keep in mind this might slightly change the creaminess and flavor. For dairy-free options, opt for plant-based sour cream and cottage cheese substitutes, but texture might vary slightly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild, focusing on savory and creamy flavors. If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or topping each portion with hot sauce.
Can I prepare the layers the day before baking?
Yes! Assembling the bake a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Just cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake uncovered as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, creamy goodness of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of comfort and flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and filling, this bake stands out as a dependable favorite. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do—happy cooking!
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and cheesy Sour Cream Noodle Bake combining tender egg noodles with a savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and sour cream mixture, all topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce (I used RAO’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided in half)
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided in half)
Creamy Mixture
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions
Cheese Topping
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large 5 to 6 quart saucepan of water to a low boil over medium high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess oil.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the drained beef mixture to the skillet over medium heat, stir in the marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat just until simmering, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Noodle Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked and cooled noodles and stir until noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the ground beef mixture on top of the noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining sour cream noodle mixture and ground beef mixture. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture; avoid thinner pasta types.
- Rinsing noodles after cooking stops them from overcooking in the casserole.
- Draining excess fat from the beef improves the flavor and reduces greasiness.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with homemade tomato sauce if preferred.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking before serving to set.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
