If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Creamy sour cream meets tender egg noodles, rich ground beef, and melty layers of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish strikes a perfect balance between hearty and wonderfully creamy, making it an absolute favorite for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simple, down-to-earth ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the tangy bite of sour cream to the savory depth of marinara and the cheesy goodness that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll gather before whipping up this crowd-pleaser:
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: These provide the perfect base with a chewy, hearty texture that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor without extra grease to keep the bake balanced.
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion: Gives sweetness and depth to the ground beef mixture.
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the dish.
- 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce (I used RAO’s brand): This tomato sauce brings tang and moisture, melding the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Essential for seasoning throughout the layers, enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (divided): Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese: Blends into the sour cream to give creamy texture with a bit of tang and protein.
- ½ cup sour cream: The star ingredient that makes this bake luxuriously creamy and slightly tangy.
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor, making the bake feel brighter.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups shredded mild cheddar and 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack): Creates a melty, gooey cheese layer that’s utterly irresistible.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cook the Noodles
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook them al dente, just tender but with a little bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking — this helps prevent them from getting mushy in the bake.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef, sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir often until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions soften into sweet little pearls. Drain any excess oil so your bake isn’t greasy, then return the beef mixture to the pan and lower the heat to medium.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the marinara sauce, half of the kosher salt, and half of the freshly cracked black pepper. Let this simmer just until it starts gently bubbling, which lets the flavors marry beautifully. Once you reach this point, take the skillet off the heat so it’s ready for assembling.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, along with the remaining half teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything together to create a creamy, tangy base that pairs perfectly with the noodles. Then fold the cooled noodles into this mixture so every strand is evenly coated.
Step 5: Layer the Bake
Start by spreading half of the sour cream and noodle mixture across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, spoon half of the savory ground beef mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups of your shredded mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend on top to add a gooey, golden layer. Repeat these layers hitting the perfect balance between creamy noodles, rich beef sauce, and melty cheese. Finally, add the remaining shredded cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Place your assembled bake into the oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket and the beef mixture is sizzling around the edges. Let it rest a few minutes before serving—this dish tastes incredible piping hot!
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshen up your Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or additional green onions for that pop of color and light onion flavor. A dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds an inviting little heat for those who love a kick.
Side Dishes
This bake is pretty hearty on its own, but feel free to serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or garlic asparagus. These lighter sides balance the richness beautifully and elevate the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer the bake in a clear glass casserole dish so the vibrant layers show through, building anticipation before the first savory bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might even enjoy the bake more the next day! Just cover it well to keep the noodles and cheese from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick comfort meal any time you need it.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated evenly and bubbling again. Adding a splash of milk or sour cream before reheating can help maintain that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and hold the sauce well, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even spiral pasta. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe?
Yes! Skip the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, finely chopped zucchini, or a blend of your favorite vegetables. You could also use plant-based ground “meat” for a vegetarian-friendly dish that still feels hearty.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese in place of cottage cheese for a smoother, creamier texture, though it will slightly change the flavor. Some people also like blending cottage cheese before using it to create a creamier consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many gluten-free options hold up nicely when baked, but keep an eye on the texture to prevent overcooking.
How do I make this bake more spicy?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture or sour cream noodle layer. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños to the layers for bursts of heat throughout the dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in perfect harmony, and this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe does just that. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how soul-satisfyingly delicious it tastes!
Print
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 comforting Sour Cream Noodle Bake combines wide egg noodles with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, layered with creamy cottage cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounce jar of Marinara Sauce (e.g., RAO’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided in half)
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided in half)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop further cooking and prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: While noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain any excess oil from the cooked ground beef to reduce greasiness.
- Simmer Sauce: Return the beef mixture to the skillet, reduce heat to medium. Stir in marinara sauce along with half the kosher salt and black pepper (½ teaspoon each). Cook just until the mixture simmers, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Noodles and Cheese: Add the cooked and cooled egg noodles to the cheese mixture. Stir gently until the noodles are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
- Layer Casserole – First Layer: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Casserole – Second Layer: Spoon half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the sour cream noodle layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the ground beef layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining sour cream noodle mixture, then the remaining ground beef mixture, and finally top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for best texture; regular noodles may alter the bake consistency.
- Draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef improves flavor and reduces greasiness.
- Rinsing noodles with cold water stops cooking and prevents mushiness.
- Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
