Sour Cream Noodle Bake | The Recipe Critic

This flavorful Sour Cream Noodle Bake takes pasta to a whole new level! Using sour cream, cottage cheese, ground beef, tomato sauce, noodles and plenty of mozzarella, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds and even thirds!

Noodle bake recipes like this one are so crowd-pleasing! They’re comforting, filling and so easy to throw together! If you love this beefy noodle recipe, here are a few more recipes you should try: meatball casserole, sloppy Joe casserole, baked rigatoni and baked chicken Alfredo.

What is a Sour Cream Noodle Bake?

Creamy Sour Cream Noodle Bake is the perfect dinner solution that’s not only incredibly tasty but also fuss-free! This is one of those recipes you need in your back pocket to pull out when you can’t decide what to make for dinner. It’s really easy, has the most amazing flavor and everyone loves it. Even your picky kids will be begging for more!

You simply brown the meat, sauté the veggies, cook the noodles, make the creamy filling, then layer everything together similar to a lasagna. Pop it in the oven and wait to fill your plate with major deliciousness! On busy weeknights, you can even have this prepped ahead of time, so all you have to do is bake it before dinnertime. Pair it with homemade garlic bread, air fryer vegetables and an Olive Garden salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients Needed

Simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible family dinner in this sour cream noodle bake recipe! Check out the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Beef: Lean ground beef is the hearty base for this pasta bake.
• Onion and Garlic: Yellow onion and minced garlic add major savory flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: For tangy, savory goodness. You can make homemade tomato sauce or keep things easy by using your favorite canned version!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste!
• Egg Noodles: I love using wide, tender egg noodles for this recipe.
• Sour Cream: Makes this dish perfectly creamy with a nice tang that complements the savory flavors.
• Cottage Cheese: Provides the casserole with a creamy texture, subtle tangy taste and a boost of protein. 
• Salt: To flavor the creamy sour cream mixture.
• Seasonings: A mix of onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper bring out so much amazing flavor!
• Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts wonderfully and is the perfect topping for this baked pasta.
• Green Onions: Optional to garnish for a pop of color. Alternatively, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Make This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

Get ready for this ground beef noodle bake to be a new favorite with your family! Plus, it’s so easy that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté: In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef and onion over medium high heat. Cook until all the beef is browned, 8-10 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté another minute.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Add in the tomato sauce and salt and pepper, sauté for another 5 minutes stirring continually. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, drain and set aside.
5. Make the Sour Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, cottage cheese, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Mix the egg noodles into the sour cream mixture and pour half of the noodle mixture into the baking dish. Pour half of the meat mixture on top of the noodles.
7. Bake: Repeat one more layer of noodles then meat sauce and top it with the mozzarella cheese. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before topping with green onions and serving.