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 cozy noodle bake that’s both creamy and cheesy. This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone come back for seconds. Let me share why this recipe has become a favorite go-to for easy weeknight dinners and Sunday family meals.

The image shows a rectangular clear glass dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer consists of pale yellow pasta noodles. Above the noodles, there is a thick reddish-brown meat sauce with chunks of meat. This is topped with a generous layer of melty orange and white cheese mixed together, covering the entire surface and softly spreading across the edges of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface and a woman's hand is visible at the edge holding the dish. 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 Recipe hits all the right notes for comfort food with a creamy, tangy sauce and a cheesy golden top that’s pure nostalgia on a plate. I love how straightforward it is but still feels wonderfully indulgent.

Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like egg noodles, sour cream, and ground beef means you can probably make this tonight without special trips to the store.
Rich Creamy Texture: The combo of sour cream and cottage cheese makes the sauce delightfully creamy without being too heavy.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily swap meats or cheeses, making this recipe versatile for whatever you have on hand.
Family Friendly: It’s one of those dishes that even picky eaters tend to love—not too spicy or complicated, just pure cozy goodness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Using ground beef and tomato sauce creates a hearty base, while the sour cream and cottage cheese blend gives the bake that creamy, tangy richness that makes you savor every bite.

Flat lay of ground beef in a natural mound, a small diced sweet onion with white and purple hues, two cloves of peeled garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing small curd cottage cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a neat pile of dry egg noodles, and a small mound of shredded Colby Jack cheese scattered naturally, all arranged symmetrically 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: Adds meaty heartiness and depth of flavor, but you can swap for ground turkey or sausage for different profiles.
Sweet onion: Softens beautifully to add sweetness and balance the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Garlic: A little goes a long way to elevate the savory taste throughout the dish.
Tomato sauce: Provides moisture and subtle acidity to brighten up the creamy noodle mixture.
Egg noodles: The perfect pasta choice here—they’re tender with just enough bite to hold up under the sauce.
Cottage cheese: Brings creaminess and protein without overpowering the other flavors.
Sour cream: The star ingredient for tang and smooth texture.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, golden topping; you can also experiment with mozzarella or sharp cheddar.
Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder): Simple seasonings that round everything out so the flavors pop together.

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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

I often like to adjust this bake depending on the mood or what's in my fridge. It's super forgiving and a great canvas for flavors, so feel free to get creative—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for Italian sausage and add fresh basil for an Italian twist that my family goes crazy for.
Dairy swap: If you’re avoiding cottage cheese, ricotta works okay though the texture isn’t quite as creamy.
Cheese choice: Tried pepper jack for some heat and it gave a nice spicy kick that paired perfectly with the sour cream’s tang.
Vegetarian option: Leave out the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to keep it hearty and satisfying.

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

A close-up image shows a large scoop of layered casserole being lifted from a clear glass baking dish. The casserole has multiple layers, including a bottom layer of browned ground meat mixed with onions, a middle layer of white creamy sauce, and a top layer of melted shredded cheddar cheese that stretches in gooey strands as the scoop is pulled up. The meat layer is rich brown with some finely chopped onion pieces visible. The melted cheese is golden yellow and covers the top unevenly with some cheese dripping down the sides. The background is a white marbled surface with some blurred green leaves in the back, and a woman's hand is holding the spatula lifting the casserole photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef and diced sweet onion. Break the beef up as you cook so it browns evenly. Keep going until there’s no pink left and the onions have softened—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This base is where so much flavor builds, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce

Once the beef and onion look ready, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then pour in the tomato sauce, along with salt and pepper. Turn the heat down and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This step deepens the flavors and thickens the sauce nicely.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

While your sauce is simmering, boil the egg noodles just until tender following the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well so your bake doesn’t get soggy, but don’t overcook—al dente noodles give the best texture in the final dish.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Noodle Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth, then fold in the cooked noodles, making sure every noodle is coated with this creamy goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon half the noodle mixture evenly into the dish, then half the meat sauce, and sprinkle half the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese. Pop it into a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Serve straight away for the best gooey experience.

Top Tip

Having made this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make it shine. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect creamy, cheesy outcome every time.

Drain the noodles well: Excess water will water down your sauce and make it soupy—patience here pays off.
Simmer the sauce uncovered: This step thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavor so it doesn’t taste flat in the bake.
Layer evenly: Distribute sauce and cheese well between layers to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the oven during the last 5 minutes so the cheese melts but doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Sour Cream Noodle Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my noodle bake with a little fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Since the bake is pretty hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans balances the meal perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a no-brainer too—you’ll want something to mop up those tasty saucy bits.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the bake in individual ramekins—makes the presentation feel a bit more elegant and everyone gets their own cheesy portion. Serving with a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a surprising but delicious touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in the fridge for up to three days. I like to cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I recommend freezing before baking—just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, label with the date, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually cover them with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. This helps keep the cheese melty and the noodles from drying out better than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles work best for their texture and size, you can use penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just watch the cooking time to avoid mushiness.

What if I don’t have cottage cheese?

You can substitute ricotta cheese, but the texture will be slightly different and less creamy. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of cream cheese also makes a good alternative if you want that tangy creaminess from the sour cream.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bake a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and freezes beautifully, so making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or to freeze for quick meals later is a great idea.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s one of those dishes I’ve returned to when I want comfort but don’t want to fuss in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, your family will ask for it again and again.