If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Sour Cream Noodle Bake is exactly what you need! It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor—basically, everything you want in a cozy baked dish. Imagine layers of tender egg noodles, a rich beefy tomato sauce, and a tangy, creamy cheese mixture, all baked together until bubbly and golden.
It’s a family favorite that’s super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Versatile Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even potlucks!
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find.
Quick and Easy No complicated steps—just mix, layer, and bake!
Customizable Add veggies, swap the meat, or make it extra cheesy to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves this dish!

Ingredients
Ingredients in Sour Cream Noodle Bake
This dish is all about simple, classic flavors that come together perfectly. Let’s break it down:
Egg Noodles The perfect base—tender, buttery, and slightly chewy.
Ground Beef Adds a rich, savory bite to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or sausage.
Tomato Sauce A smooth, tangy base that blends beautifully with the beef.
Diced Tomatoes Add texture and a little extra juiciness to the sauce.
Garlic & Onion The flavor boosters! Sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness.
Sour Cream & Cottage Cheese The secret to the super creamy, tangy, and slightly cheesy texture.
Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese Melts beautifully into gooey, golden perfection.
Italian Seasoning A must-have for that perfect blend of herbs and spices.
Butter Coats the noodles for extra richness.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Noodles Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little butter.
Prepare the Meat Sauce In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.
Mix the Creamy Layer In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Bake Spread half of the noodles in the greased baking dish, top with half of the sour cream mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown.
Cool and Serve Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it helps the layers set. Then dig in and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake
This dish is amazing on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few serving ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because what’s a baked pasta without some warm, buttery garlic bread?
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the bake.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus make great sides.
- Pickled Jalapeños: If you love a little spice, these add a nice kick!
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Swap the cheese Try ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Add some spice A dash of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce adds a little heat.
- Make it lighter Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and ground turkey instead of beef.
- Freeze it This dish freezes beautifully! Just bake straight from the freezer at 350°F until heated through.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles work best, you can use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.
2. Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta cheese is a great alternative for a smoother texture.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Can I freeze Sour Cream Noodle Bake?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake until heated through.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute.
6. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.
7. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein.
8. Can I add more veggies?
Go for it! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
9. Do I need to cover it while baking?
Nope! Baking uncovered helps the cheese get golden and bubbly.
10. Can I add extra cheese on top?
Always! A little extra cheese never hurts—pile it on!
Conclusion
This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is comfort food at its finest—rich, creamy, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, it’s sure to be a hit. Easy to make, impossible to resist—what’s not to love? Enjoy!
Print
Sour Cream Noodle Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Description
A comforting, creamy casserole featuring tender egg noodles enveloped in a tangy sour cream sauce. Enhanced with melty cheddar and a crispy topping, this classic dish delivers warmth and satisfaction perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta & Base:
12 oz egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup diced ham or bacon bits
Topping:
1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
-
Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Mix the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the optional ham or bacon if using.
-
Combine & Assemble:
- Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is crisp and golden.
-
Serve:
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- This dish is versatile: adjust seasonings or add vegetables (like peas or bell peppers) to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Fat: ~15 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~15 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg