Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef

Sour Cream Noodle Bake

This delicious pasta bake starts with lean ground beef and egg noodles that are cooked to al dente perfection. Then, I mix it all up with tomato sauce, sour cream, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and zesty spices. What I end up with is something that’s a little bit like a cross between a traditional pasta bake and lasagna. It’s rich, meaty, loaded with both sauce and rich cheese, and absolutely explodes with flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy, hearty dinner recipe that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
• It’s creamy, cheesy, and so full of flavor.
• If you happen to have leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day!

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Tips and Variations

This is a super easy recipe, as most noodle bakes are. That being said, I have some tips to make sure you make the absolute best version of this recipe you possibly can. I even have some tasty variations that I think you’ll love to try.

Tips

• Never cook your noodles past al dente. You’ll be mixing them with the other ingredients, and then the entire thing will be baked. If you cook your noodles too long initially, they’ll turn to mush.
• Always drain your ground meat, no matter how lean it is, to avoid a greasy dish.
• Give your sauce a little time to simmer to really combine the flavors. The minimum is 20 minutes, but longer works even better!

Variations

• Try using ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef.
• Italian sausage is fantastic in this recipe.
• Change up your flavors and cut the prep time even further by using your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce.
• Use ricotta cheese in place of half of the cottage cheese for even richer cheesy goodness.

What to Serve with Sour Cream Noodle Bake

This delicious pasta bake is fantastic with a variety of sides. Some of my favorites include:

• Crusty bread
• Side salad
• Your favorite vegetables
• Your favorite pasta dishes (when feeding a group of people)

Sour Cream Noodle Bake FAQ

If you have questions about this delicious pasta bake, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this dish.

How long will sour cream noodle bake last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

What is sour cream noodle bake?

It’s a traditional pasta bake consisting of cheese, pasta sauce, pasta, and ground beef. Sour cream is added for even more richness and tangy flavor.

What defines a pasta bake?

Any baked dish consisting of pasta, sauce, and a topping of melted cheese is considered a pasta bake.

Can you freeze leftover pasta bake?

Absolutely. Freeze the entire pasta bake in its original container wrapped in a double layer of cling wrap and a layer of foil for up to 4 months. You can also place leftovers in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

Who invented the pasta bake?

This simple, rustic dish dates back to the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Although we use them as quick and easy recipes for casual get-togethers and family dinners, during that time, they were reserved for banquets at the palaces of nobles.

How to Store and Reheat Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Store your leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in its original dish wrapped in a double layer of cling wrap and a layer of foil for up to 4 months. You can also place leftovers in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

To reheat the pasta bake, place it in an oven-safe container (or the original container if you left it in it) in the oven, cover it, and bake it for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake Ingredients

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious recipe. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store, and most of it might even be in your kitchen right now.

• Lean ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Water
• Slap Ya Mama
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Egg noodles
• Sour cream
• Small curd cottage cheese
• Green onions
• Colby jack cheese

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef

This is a bake – essentially a pasta casserole – so it should come as no surprise that this is a fairly easy recipe to make. Even the homemade sauce is super simple!

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray a 3-quart oval baker or 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef and onions to a large skillet or frying pan and cook over medium high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Drain the mixture and return it to the pan.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the beef mixture with seasonings and stir. Then, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

In a large pot of water, boil the egg noodles in a large pot of water according to the package directions for al dente. 

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Combine the sour cream and cottage cheese in a medium mixing bowl, then add the sour cream mixture to the pan with the egg noodles. Add the green onions and stir to combine.

Step 6: Construct the Bake

Place half of the egg noodle mixture in the bottom of the baking dish, then add half of the meat sauce and half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining noodle mixture, sauce, and cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the pasta bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Enjoy!

Try This Delicious Sour Cream Noodle Bake Recipe Today

This sour cream noodle bake is loaded with a tangy, cheesy noodle mixture, homemade meat sauce, and of course, loads of melty cheese. It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest eaters. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or addition to any potluck or get-together. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll love it as much as my family does.