Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and absolutely satisfying, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe is a winner in my book. I absolutely love how creamy the noodles get, balanced perfectly with savory ground beef and a cheesy top that the whole family goes crazy for. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips so you can nail this delicious casserole every time you make it.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe hits the sweet spot by combining creamy dairy, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles—all blending together into one cohesive, flavorful bake. When you shop, look for a good quality marinara and fresh cheese for best results.

• Wide Egg Noodles: These hold sauce beautifully and have a nice chew that makes this dish satisfying.
• Ground Beef (lean): Lean beef keeps the casserole from being too greasy but still flavorful.
• Sweet Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that warm, aromatic flavor punch.
• Marinara Sauce: I use Rao’s brand for its rich flavor and quality—you want a sauce that’s flavorful but not too chunky.
• Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Divided to season both meat sauce and sour cream mixture evenly.
• Small Curd Cottage Cheese (4%): Gives the casserole a thicker texture and creaminess without overpowering.
• Sour Cream: Full fat works best here for a velvety, luscious bite.
• Green Onions (thinly sliced): I love the little fresh kick they add to the creamy layer.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack melts perfectly on top and inside.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to switch up the cheeses or sneak in some veggies, make it yours and have fun with it!

• Veggie Boost: I sometimes add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition—just cook them with the onions.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt.
• Ground Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, ground turkey or sausage can work well, just adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Herb Flair: Fresh basil or oregano stirred into the marinara sauce can brighten the flavors wonderfully.

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a gentle boil—adding a pinch of salt helps flavor the noodles from the start. Cook the wide egg noodles just until al dente; you want them tender but firm to hold up in the bake. Rinse them with cold water after draining to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Trust me, this step keeps your casserole from turning mushy.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

While the noodles are cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir often, breaking up the beef, until it’s no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess oil to keep things from getting greasy. Return the meat to the pan, reduce heat to medium, and stir in your marinara sauce along with half the salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently until you see it bubbling—this step draws all those flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Mix the Sour Cream Layer

Grab a medium bowl and combine your small curd cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything looks smoothly blended. This creamy layer is the magic that makes the bake so delicious. Then, stir in your cooled noodles until they’re evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spray your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to make serving easier later on. Spread half of the sour cream noodle mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, spoon half the ground beef sauce over that. Sprinkle about 2 cups of your shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers—sour cream noodles, meat sauce—and finish with a final layer of cheese. This layering ensures every bite is loaded with flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden. This is when that amazing aroma fills your kitchen, and you know dinner’s ready. Serve it hot for the best creamy-cheesy experience. I usually let it sit a few minutes to set before slicing—this helps keep those layers neat and appealing.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional sliced green onions—they add a pop of color and a little freshness to cut through the richness. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top works wonders too.

Side Dishes

I like serving this bake with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread is a classic side that couples perfectly, especially if you want to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this bake in individual ramekins—perfect for easy portioning and elegant presentation. Topping with a little extra shredded cheese and broiling briefly gives it a gorgeous golden crust that wows guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay great for up to three days. The flavors actually marry even better the next day, making for a tasty lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap after it cools. I’ve had good success freezing it for up to two months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming single servings in the microwave for convenience or the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara helps keep it from drying out during reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s comforting, easy, and pleases everyone who sits down at the table. If you want a no-fuss, make-ahead meal that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did. It’s the kind of recipe I’m always happy to share with friends because it just works every time.

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