Dreamy Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouth-watering sour cream noodle bake that promises pure culinary bliss.

Layers of tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a velvety sour cream sauce create a delectable harmony of flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole delivers warmth in every single bite.

Cheese melts perfectly between each layer, adding a golden, irresistible crust that will make your taste buds dance.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with effortless preparation, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Each forkful promises a comforting embrace of home-style cooking that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather around the table and savor this classic, crowd-pleasing dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 132 kcal

Servings: 9

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe: Ingredient Lineup

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation that brings hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Sour Cream: Creates a luxurious, tangy sauce that keeps the noodles moist and adds a subtle richness.
• Cottage Cheese: Contributes a smooth, creamy texture and extra protein boost.
• Cream Cheese: Provides silky consistency and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Wide Egg Noodles: Sturdy pasta that holds the sauce beautifully and provides a comforting base.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings bright acidity and moisture to balance the creamy elements.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, sharp topping that adds irresistible cheesy crunch.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and harmonize all the flavors in the dish.

What You’ll Need to Prep and Cook Smoothly

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking onions.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining sour cream, cream cheese, and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing components.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides the right size for layering noodles and meat.
• Colander: Needed for draining cooked pasta.
• Aluminum foil: Useful for covering the dish while baking.

Stir, Bake, and Serve This Dish

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious baked masterpiece.

• Prep the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, ensuring nothing will stick.

• Brown the Ground Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

• Mix in Savory Seasonings

Stir in tomato sauce, salt, and pepper to your browned beef, letting the flavors mingle and dance together.

• Combine Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth and inviting.

• Layer the Noodle Base

Spread your cooked noodles across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a welcoming foundation.

• Build the Flavor Layers

First, spread the creamy sour cream mixture over the noodles. Next, add the seasoned beef on top, creating delicious layers.

• Sprinkle and Bake

Cover the layers with a generous shower of shredded cheddar cheese. Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

• Bake to Perfection

Let it bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket and the edges turn slightly crispy.

• Rest and Serve

Pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Make It Your Own With These Flavor Additions

• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving for a bright, herbaceous touch.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options that suit various dietary preferences.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• For those who love extra heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture for a zesty flavor kick that'll wake up your taste buds.

Best Serving Tips for Family Dinners

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Rustic Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add nutritional value and color contrast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a pop of fresh herb flavor.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein and morning appeal.

Pack It Up for the Next Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months before cooking.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating until ready to bake, which saves precious time during busy weeknights.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in a Sour Cream Noodle Bake?

The main ingredients include ground beef, egg noodles, sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. These components create a rich, creamy casserole with a hearty meat base.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute egg noodles with other wide, flat noodles like wide egg noodles, penne, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce and meat mixture well.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole is a classic comfort food that most children love. The cheesy, creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to younger palates.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories. You can also add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy sour cream noodle bake brings hearty midwestern comfort to dinner tables. Ground beef and noodles combine with tangy cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 g) egg noodles
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 can (15 oz, 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz, 397 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for a perfectly baked casserole.
2. Prepare Skillet: Brown ground beef over medium-high heat, fragmenting meat into fine, even crumbles while eliminating excess fat.
3. Season Meat: Incorporate tomato sauce, salt, and pepper into the beef, developing a robust and savory flavor profile.
4. Noodle Preparation: Boil egg noodles in salted water until achieving an al dente consistency, then drain thoroughly.
5. Create Creamy Base: Fold sour cream and cottage cheese into the noodles, generating a luxurious and smooth coating.
6. Layer Casserole: Grease a rectangular baking dish, then strategically layer the creamy noodle mixture as the foundation.
7. Meat Distribution: Spread seasoned ground beef evenly across the noodle base, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Cheese Finish: Generously blanket the meat with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a tempting golden-brown topping.
9. Bake and Rest: Cook in preheated oven until cheese melts and turns bubbly, then allow casserole to settle for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Meat Dryness: Brown ground beef quickly over medium-high heat to seal in moisture and create a rich flavor profile without overcooking.
• Noodle Texture Control: Boil egg noodles just until al dente, draining immediately to avoid mushy consistency and maintain a perfect tender bite.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese evenly and use the last few minutes of baking at a slightly higher temperature to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version, and use low-fat dairy options to reduce overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 132.5
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg