If you love hearty, creamy, and comforting meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles, then this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender egg noodles, rich sour cream, savory ground beef, and melted provolone cheese, this dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy weeknight dinner. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a treasured classic that keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a luscious and satisfying casserole. From creamy dairy to fresh aromatics and hearty ground beef, every component packs in flavor and richness without any fuss.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: These tender pasta noodles provide the perfect base that soaks up all the creamy and savory goodness.
- 1½ cups sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that melts beautifully into the noodles for richness and moisture.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Brings mild flavor and a delightful creaminess that complements the sour cream.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion: Fresh herbs to brighten the dish with a gentle bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and adding a little kick.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing, giving a lovely base flavor.
- ½ onion, chopped: Aromatic sweetness that softens as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punchy, savory foundation that pairs perfectly with beef.
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef: Adds heartiness and rich texture to the bake.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce for saucy, tangy goodness.
- 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts into golden bubbly perfection that pulls everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A touch of green, making the dish look as fresh as it tastes.
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still firm to the bite. Drain them well and return the noodles to the pot. This simple step creates the foundation for the creamy, cheesy layers to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped chives, black pepper, salt, and onion powder. This mixture is what gives the noodles their signature tangy creaminess in the Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe, so be sure to stir everything well until perfectly combined. Fold this creamy blend gently into the cooked noodles and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no pink remains. This step builds the hearty base for the casserole. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to combine all those rich tomato flavors with the meat.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the creamy noodles at the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese, making sure every layer is evenly spread for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 20 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to bubble gently and for the cheese to melt and get that lovely golden hue on top. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle.
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes to your plate, elevating the dish both visually and in flavor. You can also add extra chives or a twist of black pepper on top to brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The freshness from veggies balances the creamy richness perfectly, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style meal, serve this noodle bake straight from the casserole dish on the table. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into warm bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh herbs for a comforting, rustic feel that invites second helpings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes beautifully. Freeze the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely with a paper towel; just be mindful of the cheesiness and cream to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone or mozzarella melt wonderfully in this recipe, you could swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist on mozzarella’s mild creaminess.
Is there a vegetarian version of this bake?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach sautéed with the onions and garlic. You can also boost protein with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s possible with some substitutions. Use dairy-free sour cream and cottage cheese alternatives and a vegan cheese that melts well. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How spicy is the dish?
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is mild and approachable, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the beef if you like a little heat in your meals.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold straight from the fridge for even, thorough heating.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about this Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and endlessly satisfying. Next time you want a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole dish featuring tender egg noodles mixed with a rich sour cream and cottage cheese blend, layered with flavorful ground beef cooked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this easy baked noodle casserole combines savory and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles (1 package)
Cream Mixture
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, 1 jar)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese or mozzarella, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, then return them to the pot they cooked in to keep warm.
- Prepare the cream mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped chives or green onion, a couple of shakes of freshly ground black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Stir the mixture thoroughly and then fold it into the cooked noodles. Set this creamy noodle mixture aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the marinara sauce and mix well to combine all flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the creamy noodle mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the ground beef and marinara sauce mixture on top of the noodles. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the beef layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the dish is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend of your choice.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- If you prefer more herb flavor, add fresh basil or oregano to the meat sauce.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and baked the next day; just cover and refrigerate.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
