Name: Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small sweet onion, small diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces egg noodles; 1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese; ¾ cup sour cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a hug on a plate—my Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s a delicious blend of tender noodles, savory beef, and a luscious sour cream sauce that melts together beautifully for a dish you’ll want on repeat.

The image shows a rectangular clear glass dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer consists of pale yellow pasta noodles. Above the noodles, there is a thick reddish-brown meat sauce with chunks of meat. This is topped with a generous layer of melty orange and white cheese mixed together, covering the entire surface and softly spreading across the edges of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface and a woman's hand is visible at the edge holding the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for this recipe because it manages to be both hearty and creamy without ever feeling heavy. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want something fuss-free but substantive. Plus, it comes together easily with pantry staples!

Effortlessly Delicious: You get a rich, comforting meal with minimal prep and basic ingredients.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: The mix of sour cream and cottage cheese creates a luscious sauce you’ll crave.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to picky eaters—tends to go back for seconds.
Flexible & Customizable: Easy swaps let you make it your own, whether with different meats or cheeses.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here brings something valuable: the beef adds savory depth, the noodles soak up all that creamy goodness, and the combination of cheeses ensures the bake stays moist and full of flavor. Choosing quality ingredients will definitely elevate the final dish!

Flat lay of ground beef in a natural mound, a small diced sweet onion with white and purple hues, two cloves of peeled garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing small curd cottage cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a neat pile of dry egg noodles, and a small mound of shredded Colby Jack cheese scattered naturally, all arranged symmetrically 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

Ground beef: This adds a hearty, savory foundation that’s rich and satisfying. Make sure it’s fresh and lean enough to avoid excess grease.
Sweet onion: A nice balance to the beef, the slight sweetness softens the whole dish and complements the garlic and tomato sauce perfectly.
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way in bringing warmth and flavor.
Tomato sauce: It adds acidity and moisture, cutting through the richness and pulling the flavors together.
Egg noodles: Their tender yet sturdy texture is perfect for holding the creamy mixture without turning mushy.
Cottage cheese: It might surprise you, but cottage cheese really adds creaminess and a slight tang that makes the dish stand out.
Sour cream: The signature ingredient that delivers that silky, tangy richness we all love in this noodle bake.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts wonderfully and offers a nice mild sharpness.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder): These simple spices bring balance and highlight the other flavors.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. You can definitely put your own spin on it without losing that comforting vibe.

Variation: I’ve swapped the ground beef for ground turkey when I wanted something lighter, and it works beautifully—just make sure to season it well to keep it flavorful.
Seasonal Add-ins: Adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach gives it a fresh boost and makes dinner feel a bit more special.
Cheese Substitute: Mozzarella or a sharp cheddar are great replacements if you don’t have Colby Jack—just aim for good meltability.
Spicy Twist: Pepper Jack cheese or a few red pepper flakes can turn this into your new favorite comfort food with a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

A close-up image shows a large scoop of layered casserole being lifted from a clear glass baking dish. The casserole has multiple layers, including a bottom layer of browned ground meat mixed with onions, a middle layer of white creamy sauce, and a top layer of melted shredded cheddar cheese that stretches in gooey strands as the scoop is pulled up. The meat layer is rich brown with some finely chopped onion pieces visible. The melted cheese is golden yellow and covers the top unevenly with some cheese dripping down the sides. The background is a white marbled surface with some blurred green leaves in the back, and a woman's hand is holding the spatula lifting the casserole photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the beef and onion until perfectly browned

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped sweet onion, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. The key is to cook until there’s no pink left and the onions have softened—about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds your base flavor, so don’t rush it. Drain excess fat if your beef is very fatty to keep the bake from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add garlic and tomato sauce for a rich savory sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the tomato sauce, sprinkle in salt and pepper, and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld beautifully and thickens the sauce just right.

Step 3: Cook and prep the noodles and creamy mixture

While the sauce simmers, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well—nobody likes soggy noodles! In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until it’s creamy and well combined. Toss the noodles in this mixture so every bite is coated with that luscious creaminess.

Step 4: Layer, cheese, and bake to bubbly perfection

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and start layering: half the noodles first, then half the meat sauce, and sprinkle half of your shredded cheese over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese to get that gorgeous golden crust. Pop it in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes until everything’s heated through and the cheese is melty and inviting.

Top Tip

Making this Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe a regular? Here are the tricks I’ve learned to make it foolproof and extra delicious every time.

Drain Your Noodles Well: Excess water can water down the creamy sauce, so after you drain the noodles, give them a quick shake or pat with a kitchen towel for the best texture.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer uncovers a depth of flavor you won’t get otherwise—it’s worth the extra 15 minutes.
Cheese Timing Matters: Adding cheese on top mid-layer and finishing with cheese at the end creates a nice melty, golden crust without drying it out.
Customize with Confidence: Tried something new and it flopped? Keep notes! I always tweak the spices slightly depending on which meat I use.

How to Serve Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top once it’s out of the oven. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is also a great way to add subtle heat if you like.

Side Dishes

I love serving this with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli also make a nice, healthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for a personal touch—everyone gets their own little cheesy pot! It’s great for potlucks, too, where a big dish often disappears fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge in an airtight container. It stays tasty for up to 3 days, and I’d recommend reheating gently to keep the creamy texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which makes it a fantastic make-ahead option. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to keep moisture, or microwave in short bursts stirring halfway to keep everything creamy and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage all work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed and season accordingly to keep the flavor balanced.

What if I don’t have cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a decent substitute, but the dish will be slightly less creamy and moist. If you want to keep that true creamy texture, cottage cheese is best.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire bake a day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if needed for thorough heating.

Can I use canned pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce?

You sure can! Using your favorite canned pasta sauce gives an Italian twist. Just be cautious with added salt, since many store-bought sauces are already seasoned heavily.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe has been one of those dishes that feels like a secret weapon in my kitchen—comforting, quick, and endlessly adaptable. I’m excited for you to try it out and hopefully discover your own favorite tweaks along the way. Trust me, once you’ve had a slice of this cheesy, creamy goodness, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight favorites.