Crowd-Pleasing Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a comforting sour cream noodle bake brings warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Layers of creamy pasta promise pure satisfaction for hungry diners.

Hearty ingredients mingle effortlessly in this classic casserole creation.

Cheese melts into rich, velvety sauce, binding each delectable bite.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish delivers unexpected depth of flavor.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly such a crowd-pleasing meal comes together.

What seems complicated transforms into an effortless culinary experience.

Jump into this recipe and let deliciousness guide your next meal.

Why Sour Cream Noodle Bake Is So Creamy and Comforting

• Craft a Hearty Comfort Meal: Dive into a delightful casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Flavors: Easily swap ground beef for turkey or add extra herbs and spices to match your family's taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly Feast: A crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients everyone will love.
• Simple One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds rich, hearty flavor to the casserole.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and enhances the meat's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic notes to the meat mixture.

• Egg Noodles: The classic pasta foundation that creates a comforting texture for the bake.
• Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that bind the noodles and add a tangy, smooth consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential spices that season the noodle mixture and enhance overall taste.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, slightly acidic base for the meat mixture and adds moisture to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts on top to create a golden, bubbling finish that adds richness and visual appeal.

Instructions for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is completely browned and onions turn soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance the Meat Mixture

• Mince garlic
• Add to the beef mixture
• Stir until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodle Base

Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Binder

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

Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Step 6: Coat the Noodles

Add cooked noodles to the creamy mixture. Gently stir until noodles are completely coated.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

• Spread half the noodle mixture on the bottom
• Top with half the meat sauce
• Sprinkle half the cheese
• Repeat layers

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and savor the delicious layers of comfort food.

Pro Tips for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Cheese Selection Swap: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Lean Meat Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein choice.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for dietary restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.

Variation Ideas for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Vegetarian Noodle Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Casserole: Swap egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add more vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free egg noodles or chickpea pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Greek-Inspired Pasta Bake: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add oregano and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the sour cream noodle bake.
• Enhance with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty casserole.
• Match with Garlic Bread Sides: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage Advice for Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

FAQs About Sour Cream Noodle Bake

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or ziti. Just ensure cooking times match the package instructions.

• Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of this casserole. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture for extra heat. You can also include diced jalapeños if you prefer.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 63-65 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty midwestern comfort comes alive in this sour cream noodle bake, blending creamy textures with savory ground beef and melted cheese. Warm, satisfying layers promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every comforting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté ground beef and onions, breaking meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.
5. Simultaneously, prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
6. Create a creamy mixture by whisking cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well-blended.
7. Gently fold cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
8. Layer half of the noodle mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9. Distribute half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with half of the cheese.
10. Repeat layering with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
11. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Lean Meat Swap: Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still delivers incredible flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace cottage cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or tofu-based alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top before serving to add brightness and extra aromatic layers to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and time-saving potential.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 43-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg