Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Name: Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces egg noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 15 oz tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions (sliced (optional))

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This old time favorite is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Packed with cozy flavor, it’s creamy, meaty and comes together fast. It’s an easy recipe that feeds a crowd if you need it to!

This noodle casserole is a total crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. You can switch up the cheese, add in some veggies, or keep it classic. However you serve it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

You’ll love my Sour Cream Enchiladas, or my Hamburger Casserole recipe too!

Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!

A casserole dish of baked sour cream noodle bake with a spoon inside and part of the dish served.

Why you’ll love this

This dish is total comfort food. It’s quick to put together and full of flavor. You can prep it ahead and tweak it with whatever you have on hand. It’s ready in under an hour, creamy and cheesy, easy to customize, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

This is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With layers of creamy noodles and savory beef, it’s simple, cozy, and always hits the spot. The sour cream and cottage cheese make the noodles extra creamy, while the beef and tomato sauce bring that hearty, satisfying flavor.

It’s a perfect mix of comfort food and convenience. The whole thing comes together quickly, bakes in under half an hour, and can be made ahead or frozen for later. It’s an easy weeknight meal, but also special enough for a weekend dinner.

If you like easy ground beef dinners, Unstuffed Peppers is another one-pan favorite.

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FAQs

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

Try ricotta cheese or more sour cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few minutes if cold.

Can I add vegetables?

If you really must. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra flavor.

What does “al dente” mean?

“Al dente” is an Italian term that means “to the tooth.” When pasta is cooked al dente, it’s tender but still firm when you bite into it – not mushy or overly soft. For baked dishes like this one, cooking noodles al dente helps keep them from getting too soft after baking in the oven.

What to serve with this

You can’t go wrong with salad and garlic bread, right? Try my Arugula Salad for something a bit fancier, or stick to a classic Garden Salad.

Do cheesy garlic bread, or make some garlic knots or garlic bread sticks from scratch. You do you.

Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead

A fork resting on a plate of cheesy beef noodle bake, garnished with green onions.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.

Egg noodles. Classic choice, but penne or rotini work too. I like the wide egg noodles, or elbow macaroni but really – it doesn’t matter.
Ground beef. I use lean ground beef, but 80/20 will work too. Be sure to drain any excess grease. You can use ground turkey, ground chicken or bulk Italian sausage too, or use a half/half mixture of beef and sausage.
Onion and garlic. Fresh gives the best flavor, but garlic powder and onion powder both work in a pinch.
Tomato sauce. Gives the beef mixture a rich base. Marinara works too.
Italian seasoning. Adds herby flavor. You can use dried basil and oregano if that’s what you have.
Sour cream. Makes the noodles creamy. Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Cottage cheese. Adds a tangy creaminess. Full fat or low fat, it doesn’t matter. I used a small curd cottage cheese for this recipe, but use whatever you have on hand. Sub with ricotta if you prefer.
Cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts well. Use what you love. Sharp, mild or colby jack are fantastic.
Green onions. Optional garnish for a fresh touch.

Ingredients for the dish arranged in bowls, each labeled: egg noodles, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning with salt and pepper, cheddar, and green onions.

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How to make this recipe

This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

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Get prepped

Cook the noodles according to package directions (usually you will boil water in a large pot and add salt, then the noodles) and set them aside. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cook the beef mixture

Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the grease. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.

A skillet with ground beef and chopped onions. Text on the image says 'Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft'

A skillet with cooked beef and onions, garlic just added. Text on the image says 'Add garlic, cook another 30 seconds'

Make the creamy noodle mixture

Mix sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl. Add the noodles and stir to coat.

A bowl of egg noodles mixed with sour cream and cottage cheese. Text on the image says 'Mix cooked noodles with sour cream and cottage cheese'

Assemble the casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray the dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the noodles then half of the meat sauce, then repeat.

Creamy noodles spread in a baking dish. Text on the image says 'Layer half of the creamy noodles into a greased baking dish'

A baking dish with creamy noodles topped with beef mixture. Text on the image says 'Spoon half the beef mixture over the noodles'

Top with cheese.

Unbaked casserole topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Text on the image says 'Top with shredded cheddar cheese'

Bake and serve

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Let it rest, then top with green onions if using.

Baked casserole with golden, melted cheese on top. Text on the image says 'Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly'

Baked noodle casserole topped with sliced green onions. Text on the image says 'Garnish with sliced green onions'

Kylee’s Notes

Cook noodles al dente so they don’t turn mushy when baked.
Drain the beef well so the casserole isn’t greasy.
Coat noodles completely in the creamy mix for even flavor.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. If you want it extra cheesy – add half of the cheese in between the layers of noodles and beef mixture, then top with the half of the cheese. Or just add extra cheese.
Layer evenly for a good noodle-to-meat ratio in every bite.
Let it rest before serving to help it set.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Make it ahead and refrigerate – just add more bake time if cold.

How to store leftovers

Refrigerator Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.

A spoon lifting cheesy beef noodle bake from the casserole dish, topped with green onions.

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About Kylee Ayotte

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee