The Creamiest Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Comfort seems to define this sour cream noodle bake that promises hearty satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Layers of tender pasta nestle between creamy cheese and savory ground beef.

Families adore such classic midwestern dishes that remind you of home-cooked warmth.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical on your dinner plate.

Rich and indulgent, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Skilled cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this straightforward recipe without stress.

Prepare to experience a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Reasons to Love Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a classic casserole that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every bite, perfect for those moments when you need a soul-warming meal.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Create a delicious dinner with minimal effort, using basic ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Delight everyone at the table with a hearty dish that combines tender noodles, savory beef, and melted cheese, guaranteed to bring smiles and clean plates.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or different cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that adds richness and depth to the casserole.
• Onion: A flavorful base that enhances the beef's taste and provides aromatic depth.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds a bold, savory note to the meat sauce.

• Cottage Cheese: A creamy ingredient that adds texture and protein to the noodle mixture.
• Sour Cream: A tangy dairy product that creates a rich and smooth coating for the noodles.
• Colby Jack Cheese: A melty cheese that provides a delicious, gooey topping for the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the base for this comforting bake.
• Tomato Sauce: A savory sauce that provides moisture and flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried seasonings that add depth and complexity to the noodle mixture.

How to Prepare Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef into tiny pieces while cooking until it’s no longer pink and onions turn soft, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Sprinkle in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring now and then.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

Boil the egg noodles following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Mixture

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

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in the cooked noodles, coating them completely.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread half the noodle mixture into the baking dish. Top with half the beef sauce, then sprinkle half the Colby Jack cheese. Repeat the layers.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly with melted cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull the casserole out and serve immediately. Get ready for a mouthwatering comfort food experience!

Pro Tips for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Prevent Watery Dish: Drain cottage cheese thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a thick and creamy texture without runny consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic longer to develop richer, more caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Shred cheese fresh for better melting and more even coverage, creating a more luxurious and smooth cheese layer.
• Noodle Texture Hack: Cook egg noodles just shy of package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious meal.

Variation Ideas for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Vegetarian Noodle Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of noodles, and replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers rich flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel that cuts through the rich, creamy texture while complementing the beef's robust flavor.
• Refreshing Beverage Option: Serve a crisp, cold lager or pilsner that helps balance the heaviness of the casserole and provides a light, clean palate cleanser.
• Complementary Side Salad: Prepare a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to add brightness and acidity, which will contrast beautifully with the creamy, dense main dish.
• Herbal Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to introduce a fresh, green note that lifts the overall richness of the noodle bake.

Storage Advice for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I do if I don't have Colby Jack cheese?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend work great as substitutes in this recipe.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 58-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this classic Sour Cream Noodle Bake, blending hearty ground beef with creamy noodles and zesty cheese. Midwestern hospitality shines through each savory, cheesy layer, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat until no pink remains and onions soften, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Pour in tomato sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.
4. Simultaneously, cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
5. Blend cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Gently fold cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating.
6. Layer the casserole by spreading half the noodle mixture across the baking dish’s bottom. Cover with half the beef sauce, then sprinkle half the Colby Jack cheese. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
7. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese melts completely.
8. Carefully remove from oven and serve hot, allowing the rich, comforting flavors to shine.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for increased nutrition and a colorful boost.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the delicious creamy texture and flavor.
• For a lower-fat version, choose low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat sour cream, which maintain the dish’s creamy consistency while cutting calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 43-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg