The Creamiest Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe Ever Made

Comfort arrives in layers with this mouthwatering sour cream noodle bake that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal.

Ground beef and tender noodles create a delectable foundation for this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich seasonings, promising a delightful dining experience.

Melted cheese crowns each serving, adding a golden, irresistible touch.

The recipe marries classic flavors with home-style cooking techniques that guarantee satisfaction.

Warm and filling, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this irresistible noodle bake that brings warmth to your table.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake: Comfort Food That Delivers Joy

• This sour cream noodle bake delivers pure homestyle comfort with layers of creamy noodles, hearty beef sauce, and melted cheese that guarantee smiles around the dinner table.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add extra spices, or toss in vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Requiring minimal prep and using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this one-pan wonder transforms basic components into a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, saucy casserole that offers familiar flavors and textures everyone can enjoy, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.

Everything You’ll Need for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the meaty sauce.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the ground beef.
• Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor to enhance the meat mixture.

• Cottage Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the noodle mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the cheese blend.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey topping.

• Egg Noodles: The primary carbohydrate that serves as the base of the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a classic red sauce foundation for the meat.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Additional seasonings to boost the depth of taste.
• Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking and ensure easy dish removal.

Best Tools for a Creamy, Dreamy Noodle Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and onions with plenty of space to break up meat.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing cheese, sour cream, and seasonings with noodles.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef, mixing ingredients, and layering.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy dish removal and prevents sticking.

Baking Up Perfect Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Brown Beef And Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and chopped onions.

Break the beef into small crumbles while cooking.

Continue cooking until beef is completely brown and onions turn soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the beef mixture.

Stir quickly and cook until the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance, around 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create Savory Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce.

Season with salt and pepper.

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Mixture

• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well integrated.

Step 6: Coat Noodles

Add cooked noodles to the creamy mixture.

Gently fold until noodles are evenly coated.

Step 7: First Layer Assembly

Spread half of the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 8: Add Meat Sauce

Distribute half of the beef sauce over the noodles.

Step 9: Sprinkle Cheese Layer

Scatter half of the cheese on top.

Step 10: Final Layer Build

Repeat layering with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.

Step 11: Bake And Serve

Place casserole in a preheated 350°F oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts completely.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Insider Tricks for Ultra-Creamy Sour Cream Noodles

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep taste by ensuring no pink remains and creating delicious caramelized edges.
• Add minced garlic at the end of meat cooking to prevent burning and release maximum aromatic flavors without bitterness.
• Blend cottage cheese and sour cream completely before adding noodles to ensure smooth, even distribution of creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Gently fold noodles into cheese mixture to guarantee each strand gets perfectly coated, preventing dry or clumpy sections.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier without losing creamy consistency.

Tasty Twists for Your Noodle Bake Creation

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Noodle Delight: Replace egg noodles with chickpea or rice noodles to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option.
• Greek-Inspired Remix: Use ground lamb instead of beef, add oregano and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Ways to Plate and Enjoy Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty noodle bake with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette for a balanced dinner experience.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty French rolls alongside to soak up extra sauce and add delightful texture contrast.
• Weekend Family Feast: Perfect for casual gatherings, this dish welcomes easy side vegetables like roasted broccoli or steamed green beans for a complete meal that satisfies everyone.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and creamy cheese flavors in this comforting casserole.

Storing Noodle Bake for the Next Round

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and tasty.
• Wrap the bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with pasta like penne, rotini, or wide egg noodles. Just ensure the cooking time matches the package instructions.

• Is cottage cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and texture. If you dislike it, you can replace it with ricotta cheese or increase the sour cream amount to maintain the creamy consistency.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole earlier and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, bake it at 350F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic sour cream noodle bake promises comfort with hearty ground beef and creamy cheese layers. Midwestern home cooking delivers simple, satisfying flavors you’ll savor until the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (227 grams) shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) small curd cottage cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Sauces and Noodles:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions, crumbling meat until no pink remains and onions soften, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.
5. Simultaneously, prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
6. Blend cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
7. Gently fold cooked noodles into the cheese mixture, ensuring complete coating.
8. Create first layer by spreading half the noodle mixture evenly across prepared baking dish.
9. Distribute half the meat sauce over noodle layer.
10. Sprinkle first portion of cheese on top of sauce.
11. Repeat layering process with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
12. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts completely, then serve immediately.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor by letting the sauce simmer longer, which intensifies the tomato and beef taste and helps develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Customize Protein by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences or healthier options.
• Cheese Variations can elevate the dish by mixing different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or ricotta to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Make Ahead by preparing the entire casserole in advance, covering, and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep strategy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg