Name: Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces egg noodles; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup small curd cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 2 green onions (sliced, optional for garnish)

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This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is pure, cozy comfort food—exactly what you crave after a long day or when you’re feeding family and friends. Ground beef mingles with a richly seasoned tomato sauce, then joins forces with silky egg noodles tossed in tangy sour cream and cottage cheese, all blanketed under a bubbly layer of cheddar. Each forkful is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly hearty, making this casserole-style dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe plays a role in creating that special balance of creaminess, savory depth, and golden, melted cheese on top. With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll have everything you need for a delicious main course that feels both homey and impressive.

Egg noodles: These make the perfect base—tender, wide noodles that soak up all the creamy sauce while holding their shape.
Olive oil: A little oil to start the cooking process and infuse subtle richness as you brown the beef and onions.
Ground beef: Choose a lean blend for hearty flavor without excessive grease, forming the satisfying bulk of the recipe.
Small onion (diced): For a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth in every bite.
Garlic (minced): Two cloves is just enough to create a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
Tomato sauce: A classic for adding tang and moisture, pulling together all the savory elements in the beef mixture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
Black pepper: Just a bit adds the right amount of warmth and subtle bite.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend gives the sauce an extra layer of aroma and flavor—think basil, oregano, and thyme working together.
Sour cream: The secret to a creamy, tangy noodle layer that sets this bake apart from the rest.
Small curd cottage cheese: Adds soft, milky richness and a gentle texture that melts beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Half melts into the noodles for extra gooeyness; the rest creates that magical golden-brown topping.
Green onions (optional, for garnish): A fresh, crisp finish that brightens up every serving.

How to Make Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start off by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and guarantees your casserole won’t stick when it’s time to serve up those generous slices.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the egg noodles until al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t overcook—the noodles will finish in the oven. Drain them well and set aside so they don’t get mushy later.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 6 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for an extra minute to release its flavor.

Step 4: Build the Savory Sauce

Stir the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Let everything simmer for five minutes—this melds the flavors together and thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every noodle later on.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Noodles

While the beef is simmering, grab a big mixing bowl. Combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and your cooked noodles. Sprinkle in half (that’s 1 cup) of shredded cheddar, giving you a delightfully creamy, cheesy base ready for layering.

Step 6: Layer and Assemble

It’s time for the fun part! Spread half your creamy noodle mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour over half the saucy beef, leveling gently. Repeat with the remaining noodles and beef, then finish with the last cup of cheddar cheese scattered across the top. Those golden bubbles you get after baking? Totally worth it.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the casserole into the oven, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for those telltale signs of perfection: hot, gooey, and bubbling cheese, with a lightly golden top begging you to dig in. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing—it will help the layers stay neat.

How to Serve Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, a scattering of freshly sliced green onions on your Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe brightens up each slice and adds a fresh, lively crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley also works wonders for color and a hint of herbal flair—don’t be shy with the finish, it makes your bake feel special!

Side Dishes

This casserole is the star, but it plays wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some crisp roasted vegetables. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is just the thing to soak up any creamy sauce left on your plate, making your meal extra satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or parties, serve individual scoops in ramekins or small bowls for a chic twist. Garnish each with an extra sprinkle of cheddar and a few green onion slices. If you’re hosting, build a “bake bar” with bowls of crispy fried onions, chopped herbs, or even crushed crackers so guests can top their portion however they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of your Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream—just assemble the entire bake, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze (unbaked) for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then bake following the normal instructions. If you’ve already baked it, cool completely before freezing, and be sure to wrap securely to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion (or the entire casserole) in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly again, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if you’re reheating the whole dish, which prevents the cheese from over-browning. Microwave individual servings for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway, if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Ricotta cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a smoother, richer texture. It blends perfectly with the sour cream and won’t change the overall flavor of the Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. Just use the same amount as you would cottage cheese.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Kids love the creamy noodles, gooey cheese, and mild, savory beef—so this is almost guaranteed to be a hit with even picky eaters! Feel free to mix in finely chopped veggies if you want to sneak in some extra nutrition without anyone noticing.

Can I make the Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a perfect meal prep option for busy families or for entertaining, helping you save time on hectic days.

What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (around 85 to 90 percent lean) is your best choice. It adds plenty of flavor without making your casserole greasy. If you’re using a fattier blend, be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the meat and onion.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Cooking the noodles just until al dente and draining them well is key. Because the casserole bakes again, the noodles finish cooking in the oven and absorb those delicious sauces—so avoid overcooking at the boiling stage!

Final Thoughts

Give this Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe a spot in your dinner rotation, and watch it become an instant family classic. The magic of creamy noodles, savory beef, and that irresistible cheesy crust is simply unforgettable. Take a little time to whip up this warm and welcoming dish—you’re going to love every comforting bite!

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and cheddar cheese are baked with tender egg noodles until bubbly and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

12 ounces egg noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Mixture:

1 cup sour cream
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 green onions (sliced, optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.
Cook Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: Mix sour cream, cottage cheese, and noodles. Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Layer and Bake: Layer noodle mixture, beef mixture, and remaining cheese in the baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.