Rich, cheesy, and absolutely brimming with savory flavor, this Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is pure comfort food with a twist. Imagine tender egg noodles tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce and layered with perfectly seasoned beef in a zesty tomato base, all topped off with gooey melted cheddar. Pop it in the oven, and you have a family-friendly one-dish wonder that’s become a staple in my home for its irresistible combination of flavors and make-ahead convenience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers for days, you’ll love diving into this classic with a creamy upgrade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few everyday ingredients, you can transform a simple casserole into a rich, colorful dish. Each element in this Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe adds a special touch—whether it’s creaminess, color, or a pop of flavor.
- Egg noodles (12 oz): These tender noodles create the comforting foundation and soak up all the luscious sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle of this helps your onions and garlic become perfectly fragrant for the meat base.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): Brings a gentle sweetness and extra depth to the beef filling.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds classic aromatic warmth, boosting the beefy flavor.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the bake, turning this casserole hearty and satisfying.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for waking up all the other flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle bit of heat and brightness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a beautiful color and touch of smoky sweetness.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Makes the beef mixture saucy, rich, and just a bit tangy.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): This is where velvety tang meets creamy indulgence.
- Cottage cheese (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a hint of extra protein to the noodles.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy gold on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup, optional): A final pop of color and brightness if you want to take your garnish game up a notch.
How to Make Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—you’ll thank yourself later for the easy cleanup. This simple step sets the stage for layers that won’t stick and ensures golden edges on your finished casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles just until al dente—you want them to still have a little bite, since they’ll cook further in the oven. Drain them well and set them aside; these will soon be coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté All the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, mix in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about another minute. Getting these aromatics golden is key for a flavor-packed beef and sour cream noodle bake recipe.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef directly to the skillet, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika, letting those spices blend right into the beef. When the meat is fully browned and crumbly, pour in the tomato sauce and let the whole mixture simmer for a solid 5 minutes. This step creates a luscious, saucy base that’s unforgettable.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Noodle Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth. Add the just-cooked noodles, and toss gently to coat. The creaminess here is going to make every bite sing, and the cottage cheese gives a subtle, rich texture that’s worth swooning over.
Step 6: Layer Everything Up
Spoon half of the creamy noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top it with half of the saucy beef mixture. Repeat, finishing with the rest of the noodles and the beef. It’s like building a lasagna, but so much quicker and even more comforting.
Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping
Scatter the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. This simple step results in a golden, bubbling crust that’ll have everyone rushing to the table. Cheese lovers, take note—this topping transforms the dish from good to absolutely crave-worthy!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. That wonderfully cozy aroma means the Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
When your bake is hot and beautiful, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness, if you’re feeling extra. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy that irresistible, cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving look as appetizing as it tastes, sprinkle the top with a shower of fresh parsley just before bringing it to the table. If you want to take things up a notch, you can even add a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika for a punch of color and flavor. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
With such a hearty main, you can keep sides simple—a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or lightly steamed green beans add a lovely lightness to the meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce, and everyone will appreciate the extra comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, shareable twist, serve the Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for casual dinner parties, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version at lunchtime. You can even serve leftovers inside a soft sub roll for a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover casserole, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so it makes for a fantastic lunch or simple dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish is a dream for meal-prepping! Once assembled (before baking), tightly cover your Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if needed.
Reheating
To keep things tasting fresh, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover a larger section with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. This prevents the casserole from drying out and ensures gooey, molten cheese in every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work beautifully in this recipe, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist. Just keep your seasonings bold to ensure you still get a flavorful, satisfying bake.
Do I have to use cottage cheese and sour cream?
Sour cream and cottage cheese provide that unique creaminess and tang, but you can swap in plain Greek yogurt if needed, or use ricotta cheese for a similar effect. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free noodles in place of the traditional egg noodles, and make sure the rest of your ingredients (especially the tomato sauce) are gluten-free.
Is it possible to assemble the Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. This makes dinner on busy nights as easy as popping it into the oven.
How can I lighten up this dish?
You can use reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cottage cheese, and lean ground beef or turkey to cut some calories, and add in some sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up with extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe is constantly requested at my dinner table—it’s luscious, cozy, and packed with flavors your family will love. I can’t wait for you to try it; don’t be shy about making it your own with little tweaks or new toppings!
Print
Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy sour cream come together in a delicious baked casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
12 oz;
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon;
Onion:
1 medium, finely chopped;
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced;
Ground Beef:
1 lb;
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon;
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon;
Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon;
Tomato Sauce:
1 can (15 oz);
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup;
Cottage Cheese:
1/2 cup;
Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
1/2 cup shredded;
Parsley:
1/4 cup chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once fully cooked, stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Noodle Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked noodles and stir to coat.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, then layer with half the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining noodles and beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For added flavor, mix a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
