Name: Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lb. ground chuck; 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce; 1/2 tsp. salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 oz. egg noodles; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/4 cups small curd cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sliced green onions (adjust amount to taste); 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’ve just found it with this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe. I absolutely love this dish because it’s incredibly simple, yet packed with rich flavor and creamy goodness that make it a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just craving something hearty, this bake comes together quickly and will have everyone asking for seconds. Stick around—I’ll share all my tips so you nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Creamy and Comforting: The sour cream and cottage cheese mix adds a richness that’s hard to beat.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish, and leftovers always disappear fast.
Flexible and Tasty: You can easily tweak ingredients to match what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

The dish shows a serving of pasta on a white plate with a colorful flower design in pink, red, and yellow. The pasta forms the bottom layer with visible white and slightly curved noodles. On top of the pasta, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat in dark brown color mixed with reddish-brown sauce. The top layer is melted orange-brown cheese covering most of the meat. Next to the pasta is a soft, golden-brown bread roll with a smooth surface and light cracks. The background shows a white round dish filled with the same pasta, meat, and cheese mix. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake, creamy casserole recipes, quick family dinners, baked noodle dishes, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so beautifully, creating layers of flavor and texture. I recommend using quality ground chuck for the best taste, and don’t skimp on the sharp cheddar—it really makes a difference.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground chuck shaped in a loose mound, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with small curd cottage cheese, a neat pile of uncooked golden egg noodles, a handful of vibrant green sliced green onions arranged in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of white salt crystals, all placed with perfect symmetry 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 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake, creamy casserole recipes, quick family dinners, baked noodle dishes, comfort food recipes

Ground chuck: Choose 80/20 for a good balance of juiciness and flavor.
Tomato sauce: I like a basic plain tomato sauce to keep it simple, but feel free to add a bit of garlic or herbs if you like.
Salt: Just a pinch to season the meat mixture well.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a nice kick—don’t be shy with it.
Egg noodles: Cook them al dente so they hold up during baking without getting mushy.
Sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that’s essential here.
Small curd cottage cheese: This surprises many folks but trust me, it adds wonderful texture and creaminess.
Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a little mild oniony bite.
Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds bold flavor.

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.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with adding different veggies or swapping out the meat, and you can tailor it to whatever you and your family like best.

Vegetable Add-In: I often mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and those veggies disappear happily into this creamy base.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, these proteins work just as well in this recipe.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the meat sauce to turn up the heat.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack cheeses for a different twist on the flavor.

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Season the Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning your ground chuck until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. I like to drain the fat carefully after because it prevents the dish from getting greasy but still keeps the meat flavorful. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer quietly while you prep the noodles. This step builds the savory base that ties the whole bake together.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles Perfectly

Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions but aim for al dente—meaning they’re still slightly firm when you bite into them. Drain and set them aside because you don’t want soggy noodles in your bake later. Trust me, this small timing detail really makes a big difference in texture and keeps the casserole nice and hearty without falling apart.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Ingredients with Noodles

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and small curd cottage cheese—this duo is the secret to that creamy texture everyone loves. Add a few grinds of black pepper to keep things lively. Then stir this mix into the noodles along with the sliced green onions. The green onions add a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Grab your baking dish and layer half of the noodles in the bottom. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat once more, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top. Pop it in the oven at 350°F and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts into that perfect golden, bubbly layer. I love the aroma that fills the kitchen at this point—it’s honestly irresistible!

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Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cooking noodles just al dente keeps them from turning mushy in the bake.
Balance the Seasoning: I like adding plenty of fresh black pepper to brighten the cream and meat flavors—it’s a game changer.
Layer Carefully: Make sure to spread layers evenly for that perfect mix of noodles, meat, and cheese in every bite.
Let it Rest: After baking, let your dish sit for a few minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes serving cleaner and easier.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

A close-up of a slice of baked pasta on a white plate with colorful flower patterns, showing three layers: the bottom layer of pale yellow cooked noodles, the middle layer of brown ground meat mixed with small pieces of vegetables, and the top layer of melted orange cheese covering the meat. A silver fork is inserted into the slice from the left side, and a light brown bread roll is placed in the background. The plate sits on a light blue textured surface, and the background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake, creamy casserole recipes, quick family dinners, baked noodle dishes, comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I personally love to garnish this noodle bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra green onion slices for color and a fresh pop. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of sour cream on top when serving for an extra creamy touch. It’s simple but really elevates the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a big fan of pairing this bake with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies to offset the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty French bread loaf works wonderfully to mop up all those juices and cheese. I’ve found these sides balance things nicely without competing with the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some crispy fried onions. It’s a fun way to make this homey dish feel a little fancy and personal for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually chill the bake completely before covering it tightly—this helps maintain that creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe successfully by assembling it fully and wrapping the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until bubbly—though the texture is best fresh, freezing is a great option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the bake with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). This method keeps it nice and creamy without drying out, plus the cheese re-melts perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground chuck for your favorite plant-based meat alternative or load it up with hearty mushrooms and extra veggies. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep the same rich flavor.
What kind of noodles work best for this bake?

Egg noodles are traditional and work beautifully here because they hold up well and absorb the creamy sauce without falling apart. But wide pasta like pappardelle or even macaroni can also be great substitutes.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the meat and cook the noodles a day before, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. This saves you time on dinner day and the flavors actually meld nicely when it rests.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?

It is! Just be sure to cool completely before freezing and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe has become my go-to comfort food when I want something that feels like a warm, familiar hug right out of the oven. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and most importantly—delicious. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. So go ahead and give this recipe a shot—I promise, it’s a cozy winner that’s sure to bring smiles and happy bellies to your table.