If you’re craving classic comfort food with layers of creamy noodles, hearty beef, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, you are going to fall in love with this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a generous scoop of nostalgia and homey goodness. Each forkful is a perfect blend of rich flavors and cozy textures, making this bake a true crowd-pleaser and a staple for any family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe so irresistible is how each ingredient plays a key role in creating those signature creamy, savory, and cheesy layers. You’ll find everything you need in a well-stocked pantry or a quick grocery run, and each item brings something special to the table.
- Egg noodles: Their tender yet sturdy texture is perfect for soaking up all the creamy and saucy goodness.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
- Chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory, aromatic notes that elevate the whole dish.
- Tomato sauce: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet layer that ties the meat and noodles together.
- Salt: Enhances every single flavor and keeps the seasoning balanced.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the savory notes.
- Dried oregano: Gives a hint of herby warmth that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce.
- Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the meat mixture.
- Sour cream: The star of the show, it creates a luscious, tangy creaminess in every bite.
- Small curd cottage cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and a mild flavor that melds into the noodles.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Bakes up melty and gooey, forming that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook them just until al dente, following the package instructions—this keeps them from getting too soft when baked. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to catch all that creamy goodness later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir and break up the meat until it’s nicely browned and the onions are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant, making sure nothing burns. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once it’s rich and savory, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Noodle Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the warm, drained noodles and stir until they’re thoroughly coated in the creamy mixture. This step is what makes the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe so rich and comforting!
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture in the bottom, then top with half of the savory meat sauce. Sprinkle on a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese, ensuring every bite will have a bit of everything.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole, uncovered, into your preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it cuts beautifully and the flavors settle.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and a hint of herby brightness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of extra paprika or a few snipped chives can add even more visual appeal and a gentle layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of your table, but it shines even brighter with simple sides. Think crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for some crunch and freshness. Each side helps balance the creamy richness of the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, scoop it into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized twist. For a family-style meal, simply bring the bubbling casserole to the table and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make fantastic lunchbox portions—just reheat and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual, or freeze portions for single servings.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved for a couple of minutes—just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe, you can easily swap in rotini, penne, or even bowties if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up during baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheeses without sacrificing much flavor or texture. You could also toss in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for a nutritional boost.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, ricotta cheese is a great substitute. It offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, blending perfectly with the sour cream and noodles.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake it, and always cover with foil if reheating. If the casserole seems a bit dry after storing, stir in a splash of milk or extra tomato sauce before reheating to bring back some moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is pure comfort in a casserole dish, and it’s always a hit at my table. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from family and friends. There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that feels like home!
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy sour cream noodle bake featuring tender egg noodles mixed with a savory ground beef tomato sauce, layered with cottage cheese and cheddar, then baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty casserole makes a perfect family dinner or a make-ahead meal that can be refrigerated or frozen.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine Cheese and Noodles: In a large bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese together until blended. Add the cooked noodles and stir to coat evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture in the dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat dairy products.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
