The Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a beloved comfort food classic that brings together rich, savory flavors in a simple and satisfying way. This dish layers tender egg noodles with seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy sour cream, and plenty of melted cheese for a hearty, family-friendly casserole.
With its roots in homestyle American cooking, it’s often associated with weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy Sunday meals at home.
What makes this bake especially appealing is its balance of textures and flavors — the soft noodles contrast beautifully with the slightly crisped cheese topping, while the creamy sour cream cuts through the richness of the beef and tomato base.
It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet remains approachable, using basic pantry staples that are affordable and easy to find.
Ideal for make-ahead meals, the Sour Cream Noodle Bake can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it a go-to for busy households. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this comforting casserole delivers every time.
It’s proof that a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and soul-warming.
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Description
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole that layers tender egg noodles with a rich blend of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese.
Topped with melted cheddar, it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. This comforting dish is easy to prepare, great for weeknights, and even better as leftovers.
Its balanced flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Customize it with herbs or veggies for added flair, or make it ahead and freeze for busy days.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 7–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
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Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to blend. Remove from heat.
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While the sauce simmers, cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions, but stop 1 minute before fully tender (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar. Add the drained noodles and stir to coat evenly.
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To assemble, layer half of the noodle mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers with the remaining noodles and sauce.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with green onions if desired, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sour Cream Noodle Bake: Tips, Tricks & Serving Suggestions
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is one of those beloved comfort foods that’s simple to prepare and always a hit with the whole family. Creamy, cheesy, and rich with savory beef flavor, this dish is like a cross between lasagna and a baked ziti—but with a tangy twist from sour cream. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, here are the best tips and tricks to elevate your casserole and serve it like a pro.
Key Tips for a Perfect Bake
1. Choose the Right Pasta
Use egg noodles for a soft and classic texture. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce well without becoming mushy. Make sure to cook them al dente—slightly firm—so they don’t overcook when baked.
2. Use Full-Fat Dairy
Sour cream adds the signature tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish. Use full-fat sour cream and whole milk cottage cheese for the richest, most satisfying result. Low-fat versions can be used, but may yield a thinner sauce.
3. Season Every Layer
While the beef sauce provides a lot of flavor, don’t forget to season the noodles and cheese mixture too. A bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the sour cream mixture helps balance the dish. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or paprika for an extra layer of depth.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve neatly.
5. Make It Ahead
Sour Cream Noodle Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
🍴 Serving Tricks
1. Top It Right
Before baking, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella over the top for a gooey, golden crust. A mix of both cheeses adds flavor complexity.
2. Add Crunch
For texture, try sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
3. Garnish for Freshness
After baking, top with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or chives to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
4. Pair It Perfectly
Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple side dish balances out the richness of the casserole and makes for a complete meal.
5. Portioning for Groups
This recipe typically serves 6–8 people. To serve a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a large foil tray. It’s also great for potlucks or meal trains.
Conclusion
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a timeless family favorite for good reason: it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make with pantry staples.
The balance of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tangy sour cream layered with tender noodles is irresistible. With a few smart tweaks—like seasoning every component, topping creatively, and letting it rest—you can turn this humble casserole into a memorable meal.
It’s also a flexible dish: you can lighten it up with ground turkey, add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition, or even spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or making ahead for the week, this casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole made with layers of egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cottage cheese (or ricotta).
Topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly, it’s a cross between lasagna and beef stroganoff — comforting and easy to make.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it's still slightly chilled.
Can I freeze Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 60–75 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes.
