If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish, you need to try this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef simmered in rich marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cottage cheese and sour cream that creates an irresistibly creamy texture. The melty shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top form a golden, gooey crust that makes every bite a comforting hug. This recipe is straightforward enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress friends and family, making it a reliable go-to whenever you want to dig into a warm, hearty meal with familiar flavors done just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s the rich cheeses adding creaminess, the beef providing depth, or the noodles offering the perfect tender base for all the mix-ins.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: These hold the sauce perfectly and give a wonderful bite without becoming mushy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a savory foundation for the whole dish.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Gives sweetness and subtle crunch to complement the beef.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses aromatic depth that you won’t want to miss.
- 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce (I used RAO’s brand): A tangy, flavorful tomato base that ties all the savory elements together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided): Adds just enough spice and warmth without overpowering.
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese: Brings creamy texture and subtle tanginess, elevating the noodles layer.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives richness and a slight tang that brightens every bite.
- â…“ cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds freshness and mild onion flavor with a pop of color.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups mild cheddar, 1½ cups Monterey Jack): Melts into a golden crust that’s cheesy heaven.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook them until al dente—firm but tender. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Perfectly cooked noodles are the foundation of a great noodle bake.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic
While your noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic, stirring often until the beef is no longer pink. This step develops savory flavor and softens the onions for sweetness. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep it lean and delicious.
Step 4: Add Marinara and Seasonings
Return the beef mixture to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce along with half of your salt and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for just a few minutes until heated through and fragrant, but not boiling. Then remove from the heat to let those flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese, and Green Onions
In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will coat the noodles, adding luscious tang and body to the dish.
Step 6: Mix the Noodles with the Creamy Cheese Blend
Add the cooked and cooled egg noodles to the sour cream mixture, stirring until every noodle is lovingly coated. This layer will be creamy and rich, a lovely contrast to the tomatoey beef.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake in Layers
Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly along the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then spoon half of the ground beef sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle two cups of your shredded cheese evenly on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining noodles, beef sauce, and top it all off with the last cup of cheese. This creates layers of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges, and you can smell that gorgeous blend of beef and cheese filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle additional sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley on top after baking. These add a lovely brightness that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Balance the creamy richness with fresh and crunchy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
You could serve this comforting Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or spoon it generously into bowls topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra cheese. For family-style meals, go straight from the casserole dish—it just adds to the cozy vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the leftover noodle bake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld well after resting, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes to preserve moisture. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! Wide egg noodles work wonderfully here because of their texture and size, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t get too soft.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The marinara and cheese layers provide plenty of flavor and creaminess to satisfy.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?
You could, but it will alter the texture and richness. Cottage cheese offers a lighter tang and curdy texture, which balances the sour cream perfectly in this bake.
What’s the best type of sour cream to use?
4% sour cream works best to maintain a creamy texture without being overly runny. Low-fat or non-fat sour cream can be used but might result in a less rich dish.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini sautéed with the beef adds color, nutrition, and extra flavor. Just make sure to cook them down a bit so they don’t release excess water into the bake.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight classics because it’s wonderfully comforting, easy to make, and full of familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, this casserole checks all the boxes. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes your go-to dish too!
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
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of tender egg noodles mixed with a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese blend, savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked dish combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in a simple, easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce (RAO’s brand recommended)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided)
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 (1 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook them al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: While the noodles are cooking, heat a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess oil from the skillet.
- Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings: Return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
- Combine Creamy Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Mix Noodles with Creamy Mixture: Add the cooled cooked noodles to the creamy mixture. Stir well until the noodles are evenly coated with the sour cream and cottage cheese blend.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Repeat the Layers: Spread 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 on top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The ground beef mixture should be hot and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a delicious, creamy, cheesy noodle bake.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture while cooking.
- Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese gives a better melt and creamier texture.
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Be sure to rinse the noodles after cooking to prevent them from sticking and overcooking during baking.
