Sour Cream Noodle Bake

If you’re craving something cozy and satisfying for dinner, this sour cream noodle bake is the ultimate comfort food.

What makes this dish so special is the balance of flavors and textures. You get creamy, cheesy noodles combined with hearty meat sauce in every bite.

Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Comfort Classic: The blend of sour cream, meat sauce, and melted cheddar creates a comfort food experience that rivals traditional lasagna.

Easy Preparation: This recipe is relatively simple to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and common ingredients. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

Crowd-Pleaser: The ingredients appeal to both adults and picky eaters. It’s a great choice for family gatherings and potlucks.

Budget-Friendly: It uses affordable pantry staples and common ingredients that are frequently on hand. It’s a budget-friendly way to feed the family.

Ingredients

• Wide Egg Noodles: They form the hearty base of this casserole. Their flat, broad shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
  
• Sour Cream: It creates a rich, tangy layer to add creaminess and depth to the dish.
  
• Small Curd Cottage Cheese: It provides protein and a subtle texture.
  
• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and texture.
  
• Onion and Garlic: They add aromatic foundation and essential flavor.
  
• Marinara Sauce: It brings tomato-based richness and Italian-style flavor. Use your favorite jarred sauce for convenience.
  
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder work together to enhance all other flavors in the dish.
  
• Chopped Chives or Green Onions: They add fresh color and mild onion flavor.
  
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It creates a golden, bubbly top layer.

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake

This casserole is so easy-peasy!

1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil.

2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the sauce and seasonings. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Cook the noodles. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, following package instructions (about 6–7 minutes). Drain the noodles well and set aside.

5. Make the creamy mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped chives (or green onions), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well blended. Add the drained noodles to this creamy mixture and gently toss until the noodles are evenly coated.

6. Assemble. Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese to create a second layer.

7. Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

8. Serve. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped chives, if desired.

Tips for the Best Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Follow these tips for a truly irresistible dish.

• Don’t skimp on the browning. Ensure the ground beef is fully browned and the onions are softened to develop a rich flavor before adding marinara sauce.

• Cook the noodles al dente. Boil the egg noodles until just al dente (slightly firm) since they will continue cooking in the oven.

• Be generous! Don’t skimp on the garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to ensure a flavorful dish.

• Ditch the excess liquid. Drain the cooked ground beef and noodles thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

• Be careful. Spread the noodles and meat sauce in even layers to ensure a well-balanced casserole that cooks evenly.
  
• Make it a feast. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad to round out the meal.

How to Store

Here’s how to make ahead and store this recipe for meal prepping or leftovers.

To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the best results, let the casserole cool completely before storing.

To Freeze: Cover the completely cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can also divide it into individual portions using freezer-safe containers for easier reheating later.

To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Heat larger portions covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or marinara sauce if the casserole seems dry.