Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines the delicious flavors of tender noodles, rich sour cream, flavorful tomato sauce, and melty cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a satisfying meal with simple ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of traditional comfort food or looking for a dish that the whole family will love, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Egg noodles – 12 oz (wide egg noodles work best for this recipe)
- Ground beef – 1 lb (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz)
- Sour cream – 1 cup (adds richness and creaminess)
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded (you can also use mozzarella or a blend of both)
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp (optional for added flavor)
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for cooking the beef)
How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce
To the skillet with the cooked beef, stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Mix the Noodles and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef sauce mixture. Stir in the sour cream until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the noodle and beef mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the Sour Cream Noodle Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Noodle Bake:
- Customize the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage in place of ground beef for a different twist.
- Add Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just bake from frozen, adding extra time in the oven.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Noodle Bake:
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a savory tomato sauce and tender noodles. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or prepping for a potluck, this dish will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your collection.
Serving and Storage Tips for Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish your Sour Cream Noodle Bake with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano.
- Pair with Sides: This casserole is rich and hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or crispy garlic bread to round out the meal.
- Serve in Portions: To make serving easier, slice the casserole into individual portions using a spatula. This will ensure each person gets a nice balance of noodles, beef, and cheese.
- Add a Side of Hot Sauce or Chili Flakes: If you like a bit of spice, serve the casserole with a side of hot sauce or sprinkle some red chili flakes over the top before eating.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the Sour Cream Noodle Bake to cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes very well. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. If baking from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Sour Cream Noodle Bake multiple times, whether fresh out of the oven or as leftovers!
1. Can I make Sour Cream Noodle Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Sour Cream Noodle Bake a day in advance! Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You may need to add a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or bake from frozen for an additional 15-20 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with other types of pasta. While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use rotini, penne, or fusilli for a different texture. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before mixing it with the sauce.
4. Can I add vegetables to the Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Yes! You can easily add vegetables to this recipe to make it more nutritious. Consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas. Simply cook the veggies with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef to the mix. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients while maintaining the dish’s creamy and comforting flavor!
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Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole made with tender noodles, a creamy sour cream layer, and flavorful ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. It’s topped with melted cheese for the perfect finish. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles and spread evenly.
- Top with half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Customize: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.