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 irresistibly cozy about a creamy pasta dish that just hugs you with every bite. This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe blends rich sour cream with tender noodles and a savory meat sauce, creating a homey dish that’s perfect for 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

I fell in love with this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe the first time I made it because of how simple ingredients come together into something so comforting and delicious. It’s that perfect kind of dish that pleases the whole family and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.

Comfort food at its finest: Creamy sour cream mixed with noodles and melted cheese gives this bake a warm, satisfying texture that hits all the right notes.
Easy to make: Minimal hands-on time with straightforward steps makes it great for busy weeknights or casual weekends alike.
Flexible and versatile: You can swap out ingredients easily to suit your taste or what you have in the pantry.
Great for leftovers: This noodle bake tastes even better the next day—making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple, store-bought staples that combine beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Knowing a bit about each ingredient helps you tweak it to your liking or find the freshest options at the store.

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: Adds savory richness and protein, but you can swap it out for other ground meats if you want.
Sweet Onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and mild bite that complements the beef.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves boost the aroma and depth of flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Provides acidity and moisture, balancing the creamy elements.
Egg Noodles: Tender with a slight chew, perfect for soaking up the sauce and creaminess.
Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang; small curd works best here.
Sour Cream: The star of the recipe giving that luscious, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, buttery note. Feel free to switch it up with cheeses you have.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Elevate all the flavors without overpowering the dish.

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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 love to put my own spin on this recipe depending on the season, or just what cheese I have on hand. The beauty is, it’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment a little!

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for spicy Italian sausage for an extra punch, which kicks the flavor up a notch and adds a nice heat.
Cheese options: Mozzarella makes it extra melty, while pepper jack adds some spice. Gruyere is a fancy upgrade that’s delicious too!
Vegetarian twist: Skip the meat and toss in sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead—still hearty and comforting.
Herb additions: Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled on top before baking brings a bright note.

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: Sauté the Meat and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with your spatula. Cook until the beef loses all its pink and the onions soften, about 8-10 minutes. I like to make sure the beef is nicely browned here because it adds a lot of flavor. When it’s ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce along with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, leaving it uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally—this slow simmer deepens the flavor, allowing everything to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. I like to give them a quick rinse under hot water after draining—that way, they don’t stick together once combined with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Noodle Filling

In a large bowl, combine the small curd cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I always take a moment to taste this mixture to make sure the seasoning feels balanced. Then, fold in the cooked noodles until they are thoroughly coated in the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the creamy noodles on the bottom, then top with half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese. Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes until everything’s heated through and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.

Top Tip

From my own experiments, a few key tips helped me nail this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe every single time. These small details made a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Use small curd cottage cheese: It blends more smoothly with the sour cream, making the noodles creamier and less chunky.
Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly firm noodles hold up better and absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Simmer the sauce low and slow: This step adds depth and richness that you just can’t skip if you want full flavor.
Layer thoughtfully: Making sure the noodles and sauce alternate evenly helps every bite be balanced and cheesy.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

sour cream noodle bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a grating of sharp cheddar or a few crushed red pepper flakes add a fun twist.

Side Dishes

Simple steamed veggies like green beans or roasted broccoli work beautifully here—something light and fresh to balance the creaminess. A crisp side salad with vinaigrette also pairs perfectly if you want something cool and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve portions in individual ramekins or small baking dishes—it feels a little elegant and makes it easy for guests to grab. Adding a colorful side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a swirl of pesto on top can make this comfort dish look restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the noodles creamy and prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake successfully in portions using freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up nicely, making it convenient for meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave with a loose cover, stirring halfway through to keep the sauce evenly coated and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Colby Jack?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, swiss, gruyere, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist all work well—just go with what you love or have on hand.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground sausage, ground chicken, turkey, or pork depending on your preference. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile but all work great in this bake.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta can be used if you can’t find or don’t want cottage cheese. The texture will be a little less creamy and moist, but it still tastes delicious.

How long does this Sour Cream Noodle Bake stay fresh?

It keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is one of those dishes I always recommend when you want comfort food with ease and great flavor. It’s cozy, cheesy, and creamy but not complicated, making it a winner every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your weeknight rotation!