Name: Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small sweet onion, small diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces egg noodles; 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese; ¾ cup sour cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that feels like a hug on a plate. This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe combines creamy, tangy sour cream with hearty beef and tender egg noodles, creating an all-in-one meal that’s truly satisfying and easy to pull together any night of the week.

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with three layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow cooked pasta, the middle layer contains dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with red tomato sauce, and the top layer is melted cheese in bright orange and white colors evenly spread across the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a longtime favorite in my kitchen because it manages to be both simple and special. The creamy cottage cheese and sour cream blend makes the noodles luxuriously tender, while the tomato-beef sauce adds a cozy richness you won’t forget.

Effortless Comfort Food: It’s one dish that comes together quickly and fills the house with the smell of homey goodness.
Deliciously Creamy Texture: The sour cream and cottage cheese combo keeps the noodles moist without turning heavy or greasy.
Customizable and Versatile: You can easily swap in your favorite ground meat or cheese to make it your own.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners stress-free and tasty.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe serves a purpose in balancing flavor, texture, and comfort. Using cottage cheese and sour cream together is what sets this bake apart from others, adding just the right tang and creaminess. When you pick ingredients, aim for quality cheese and fresh garlic for the best results.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of diced sweet onion, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of golden uncooked egg noodles, a small white ceramic bowl of small curd cottage cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded Colby Jack cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Gives the bake its rich, meaty base; I recommend lean beef to keep it from getting too greasy.
Sweet onion: Adds subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
Garlic: Fresh minced works best to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
Tomato sauce: Creates a saucy, comforting layer that ties the flavors together.
Egg noodles: Their chewy texture holds up well and soaks up the creamy sauce.
Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang without being heavy.
Sour cream: The key to extra creamy noodles and a slight zesty flavor.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder): These simple spices lift and balance the whole dish.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts perfectly over the top, giving you gooey, golden cheese with every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Over time, I’ve tried swapping in different cheeses and meats, and let me tell you, each tweak adds a new twist that keeps things exciting without complicating the process.

Variation: I love using ground sausage instead of beef for a spicier, more robust flavor that my family adores.
Dairy swap: If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, ricotta works in a pinch, though it won’t be as creamy.
Cheese options: Mozzarella adds more stretch, and pepper jack brings a subtle heat if you want a bit of a kick.
Italian twist: Using your favorite jarred pasta sauce instead of plain tomato sauce adds instant herbaceous notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

A close-up view of a glass baking dish filled with a layered cheesy casserole. The layers include ground meat with a brown color, melted pale yellow cheese dripping down, visible bits of white sauce, and chunks of a lighter filling. A silver spatula lifts a serving, showing the cheese stretching between the lifted portion and the dish. The background features green leaves blurred softly, and the dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white and blue towel nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build the flavorful sauce

I start by browning the ground beef with diced sweet onion in a large skillet. Breaking the meat apart helps it cook evenly, and I let the onion soften so it adds a subtle sweetness. When the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent, I toss in the garlic just for 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant—this little step packs a lot of flavor!

Step 2: Simmer the sauce

Next, I stir in the tomato sauce along with salt and pepper, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. I keep the heat low and let it bubble uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering melds all those flavors and thickens things up just right.

Step 3: Cook the noodles just right

While the sauce is doing its thing, I boil the egg noodles according to package instructions, usually just until they’re al dente. Overcooked noodles risk getting mushy in the bake, so keeping a close eye here is key. After draining, I toss the noodles straight into a bowl with the cottage cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.

Step 4: Assemble the layers

I start with half the noodles in the prepared baking dish, then layer half of the saucy beef mixture on top, followed by a generous sprinkling of the Colby Jack cheese. Then I repeat those layers for a final cheesy top coat that melts beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Pop the whole thing into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, just long enough for everything to warm through and the cheese to melt into that perfect golden layer you’ll want to dive into immediately.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe multiple times, these tips have saved me from mushy noodles and bland bites—so I’m passing them on to you!

Don't Overcook Noodles: Cook your egg noodles just to al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
Fresh Garlic Day: Always use fresh minced garlic rather than powder in the sauce for the brightest flavor.
Mix the Dairy Well: Stir the sour cream and cottage cheese thoroughly with seasonings before adding the noodles for even creaminess.
Layering Matters: Creating even layers helps the dish bake uniformly and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Sour Cream Noodle Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking—it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like broccoli or asparagus to balance the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese and breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy crust that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or microwave with a splash of water helps keep the noodles moist and tasty.

Freezing

Freezing works well with this bake—I freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it comes out almost as fresh as the day it was baked.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or until heated through to preserve creaminess. Microwaving is fine too, just cover to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables instead. Consider using a marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce and adjust seasoning to taste.

Can I use sour cream substitutes?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream that adds tang and creaminess with less fat. Just use the same amount, but be mindful that yogurt can be a bit more tart.

What’s the best way to avoid watery noodles in the bake?

Cook the noodles just until al dente and drain them thoroughly with a colander. Tossing them immediately with the cottage cheese and sour cream mixture while still warm helps absorb excess moisture, preventing watery noodles during baking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the bake up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Making this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe has been like comfort food therapy for me and my family during busy weeks. It’s straightforward enough for a quick dinner, yet indulgent enough to feel like a celebration on the plate. I hope you give it a try soon — I have a feeling it’ll become one of your trusted go-to recipes, just like it did for me.