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 incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that just hugs you from the inside out. This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is one of those dishes—creamy, savory, and so easy to put together, it quickly became a family favorite in my kitchen.

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

Honestly, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe checks all my boxes for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s great for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I love how the tangy sour cream blends perfectly with the savory beef and gooey cheese—it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Rich, creamy texture: The combination of sour cream and cottage cheese makes this bake irresistibly moist and silky.
Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here, just classic pantry staples that pack big flavor.
Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, cheeses, or spices to suit your mood or dietary needs.
Comfort food at its best: Every bite tastes like a warm hug from the inside, perfect on cooler nights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of hearty. I always choose fresh onions and garlic to build that deep, savory base for the sauce, and don’t skip the seasoning—it’s what makes everything pop.

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 rich, savory depth and classic flavor; you can substitute with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Sweet onion: Softens and sweetens when cooked, balancing the tang of the sour cream wonderfully.
Garlic: Provides essential aroma and flavor, giving the sauce that warm, homey touch.
Tomato sauce: Brings acidity and moisture; a good-quality can makes a noticeable difference.
Egg noodles: Classic choice that holds the creamy mixture well and bakes up perfectly tender.
Cottage cheese: Gives creaminess and a subtle tang without overpowering the dish.
Sour cream: The star ingredient for that signature creamy texture and slight tanginess.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder): Simple but essential to enhance all the layers of flavor.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy cheesiness that’s irresistible.

📝

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 love experimenting with this recipe, and I encourage you to make it your own too. Whether you’re swapping out ground beef for sausage or adding a sprinkle of paprika for smokiness, this recipe is forgiving and versatile.

Variation: I once tried using spicy pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack, and it gave the bake a wonderful kick—perfect if you like a little heat.

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: Cook the beef and build flavor

Start by browning the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, stirring so everything cooks evenly—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want no pink left and onions softened to sweet perfection. Adding the garlic last is key: toss it in and stir for just 30 seconds until you smell that heavenly fragrance—don’t let it burn or it’ll turn bitter!

Step 2: Simmer the sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, sprinkle on salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it bubble away, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This simmering deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce just right. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick or dry out.

Step 3: Prepare the noodles and creamy mixture

While the sauce is simmering, boil your egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together until smooth—this blend is the creamy heart of the dish. Stir the noodles into this mixture until nicely coated.

Step 4: Layer and bake

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half the noodles on the bottom. Spoon half the meat sauce evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with half your shredded Colby Jack cheese. Repeat — noodles, sauce, then cheese. Pop it into your 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until everything’s warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Top Tip

From personal experience, a few small tweaks make all the difference with this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. I used to rush the layering step, but now I take my time to spread ingredients evenly—that way, every forkful has balanced flavors.

Meat Browning: Cook the beef on medium-high heat without crowding the pan, so it browns nicely rather than stewing in its juices.
Sauce Simmer: Don’t skip the 15-minute simmer—it thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavors beautifully.
Cheese Choice: Adding a blend of cheeses can add complexity; I love a mix of Colby Jack and a bit of Parmesan for sharpness.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles just shy of fully done since they’ll bake more in the oven—avoids mushy texture.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

sour cream noodle bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If I’m feeling zesty, a dash of smoked paprika on top adds a lovely smoky note that complements the creamy noodles.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the bake, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter are my go-to sides. Roasted vegetables also pair beautifully, adding texture and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to bake the Sour Cream Noodle Bake in individual ramekins—makes it look fancy and perfect for portion control. Another fun idea: serve it alongside freshly baked garlic bread and a cozy glass of red wine for a comforting dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover noodle bake keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid soggy noodles.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing portions in resealable freezer bags or airtight containers for up to three months. Freeze before baking if you want to meal prep, and just add extra baking time when you cook it straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually around 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the cheese melty without drying out the noodles. I avoid microwaving because uneven heating can make the texture less appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to try mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack if you want some spice. Mixing cheeses can add extra flavor and texture. Just adjust the amounts to your taste.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese if I’m not a fan?

Ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit different—less curdy and more smooth—but it still gives that creamy richness you want.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables instead. You can also use plant-based ground meat substitutes to keep the texture similar while staying vegetarian.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

The key is to cook the noodles just until al dente and drain them well before mixing with the creamy sauce. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooked noodles work best to avoid mushiness. Also, don't over-simmer the sauce to keep it from becoming watery.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe holds a special place for me because it’s both nostalgic and effortlessly delicious. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade, satisfying, and just like a warm blanket on a plate. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming your go-to comfort food, just like it did for me.