Cozy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful sour cream noodle bake that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Layers of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and savory ground beef create a hearty dish everyone adores.

Weeknight dinners can feel magical when you have a foolproof recipe like this one.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers rich, satisfying flavors that make mealtime feel special.

Hearty and filling, this casserole brings warmth to your table with minimal effort.

Why Sour Cream Noodle Bake Is Comfort Food

• Quick Family Feast: A satisfying one-pan casserole that brings everyone together with hearty layers of beef, noodles, and melted cheese.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy cottage cheese and sour cream create a rich, indulgent sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering main dish.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish guarantees smiles and clean plates around the table.

Ingredients for a Creamy Noodle Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base for the dish.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy texture to the noodle mixture.

• Sour Cream: Brings a rich and smooth consistency to the noodle coating.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty and gooey topping that adds extra flavor and richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor of the beef sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasonings that add depth and balance to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a savory base for the beef sauce.

• Egg Noodles: The primary carbohydrate that serves as the foundation of the casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the dish from sticking to the baking pan.

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine ground beef and diced onions. Cook while breaking the beef into small crumbles until the meat is fully browned and onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Beef Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain completely.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Coat Noodles in Creamy Mixture

Add cooked noodles to the cheese mixture, gently stirring to ensure every noodle is evenly coated.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

• Half of the noodle mixture
• Half of the beef sauce
• Half of the shredded cheese

Repeat layers once more.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The dish is ready when it’s thoroughly heated and cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips to Perfect Your Noodle Bake Recipe

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of this comforting dish.
• Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother, richer texture that still maintains the creamy element.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles and checking that tomato sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.

Ways to Customize Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Vegetarian Noodle Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile and layering technique.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free egg noodles or chickpea pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain consistent with original recipe.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Incorporate taco seasoning into beef, add jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicier version of the classic dish.

What to Pair with Noodle Bake Dinners

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's richness.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top to add brightness and fresh aromatic notes that elevate the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious beef sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy noodle bake.

Best Way to Store Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Sour Cream Noodle Bake?

The key ingredients are ground beef, egg noodles, cottage cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. These components create a rich, creamy, and hearty casserole that combines savory meat with tangy dairy elements.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The dish features familiar ingredients like noodles, beef, and cheese that most children enjoy. The creamy texture and mild seasoning make it appealing to younger palates, and it’s a great way to introduce a balanced meal.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Assemble all layers, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty sour cream noodle bake, blending savory ground beef with creamy layers of cheese and noodles. Midwestern home cooking shines through with each satisfying, cheesy forkful that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Noodles:

• 12 ounces egg noodles

Dairy Components:

• 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat and cooking until vegetables soften, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.
5. Simultaneously, prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
6. Create a creamy base by blending cottage cheese, sour cream, and dry seasonings until smooth and uniform.
7. Gently fold cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
8. Construct the first layer in the baking dish: spread half the noodle mixture, followed by half the beef sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
9. Replicate the layering process with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese for a complete casserole.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, ensuring the dish is heated through and cheese melts into a golden, bubbling topping.
11. Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and appetizing.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect beef texture by breaking it into small, uniform crumbles while cooking to ensure even distribution and better flavor absorption.
• Enhance the creamy mixture’s richness by using full-fat cottage cheese and sour cream, which provides a more luxurious mouthfeel and deeper taste profile.
• Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that accommodates different dietary preferences.
• Prevent noodles from becoming mushy by slightly undercooking them during the initial boiling process, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 542 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg