If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and delightfully creamy casserole that feels like a big, warm hug, then this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Combining tender egg noodles with savory ground beef, a rich marinara sauce, and a dreamy mix of cottage cheese and sour cream, this dish layers flavors and textures to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights special without requiring hours of fuss, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a household favorite for so many.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a starring role. From the tender noodles to the creamy cheese blend and savory beef sauce, every component comes together to create a luscious, hearty dish.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: The perfect sturdy base that holds all the sauce and cheese without turning mushy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and savory depth to the dish.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and enhances the beef’s flavor.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: For that warm, aromatic kick that wakes up the palate.
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato base to bind everything together with zest and tang; RAO’s brand recommended for its balanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Perfectly seasons the layers without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided): Adds a subtle heat and brightness.
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese: Offers creamy texture and protein with a mild tanginess.
- ½ cup sour cream: Signature ingredient that makes this bake irresistibly creamy and silky.
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a slight crunch to balance the richness.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1 ½ cup mild cheddar + 1 ½ cup Monterey Jack): Provides gooey melted goodness and a mellow sharpness that pulls it all together.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Getting your oven ready is key because this dish bakes to bubbly perfection, and a greased pan ensures everything lifts out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a low boil and cook your egg noodles until al dente — that means they’re tender but still have a firm bite. Drain them well, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from getting mushy once mixed with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir often until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the bake from being greasy, then return it to the skillet on medium heat.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the marinara sauce with half of your salt and pepper, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer briefly just until it’s heated through and slightly thickened — this layering of flavors is what makes this recipe so special!
Step 5: Mix Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, and Green Onions
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is the heart of the recipe, giving your noodles a luscious texture and tangy flavor that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Creamy Mixture
Add the cooked noodles to the sour cream mixture and gently fold until they’re fully coated. This step ensures every bite of the bake has that signature creaminess that sets this recipe apart from your everyday casserole.
Step 7: Layer Your Bake
Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then dollop and spread half of the ground beef sauce on top. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the meat layer, then repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top to create a melty, golden crust when baked.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. Serve this comfort classic hot from the oven for that perfect gooey texture and rich flavor.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or more green onion over the top adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note that complements the beef beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Simple roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a nutritious, colorful sidekick that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized comfort food portions. You could also add a crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan cheese before baking to introduce a delightful textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more when chilled overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy families.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it ahead for quick dinners. Freeze the fully baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes uncovered until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. You can cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from browning too much if reheating from refrigerated leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and hold the creamy sauce well, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy in the bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. These options keep the hearty texture and still blend wonderfully with the sour cream and cheese layers.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, ricotta cheese is an excellent substitute that will keep the creamy texture and mild flavor intact. Just make sure to use a similar quantity to maintain balance.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
Add a layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This will create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness paired with classic flavors that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this bake is sure to become a beloved staple. Trust me, once you try it, it will feel like your go-to for cozy dinners and happy leftovers. Happy cooking!
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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
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting layered casserole featuring tender wide egg noodles coated in a creamy mixture of cottage cheese and sour cream, combined with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 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 Marinara Sauce (e.g. 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 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot (5 to 6 quarts) of water to a low boil over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef mixture: While the noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain any excess oil from the cooked ground beef mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Add marinara and season: Return the beef mixture to the skillet, reduce heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper. Heat just until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Prepare creamy noodle mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper. Stir well to blend.
- Mix noodles with creamy mixture: Add the cooled cooked noodles to the creamy cheese mixture. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef and marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining sour cream noodle mixture over the cheese layer, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake to finish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture and layering.
- Draining the beef fat helps reduce greasiness and creates a cleaner flavor.
- Allow noodles to cool before mixing with the creamy cheese to prevent curdling and uneven texture.
- The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses provides a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
