Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. It’s a great way to use pantry staples like noodles, sour cream, and ground beef, and it’s easy to assemble ahead of time. The layered format makes every bite full of flavor, and it’s endlessly adaptable—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Plus, it’s super kid-friendly and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz egg noodles

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Layer

• 1½ cups sour cream

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Optional Topping

• Extra shredded cheese

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles
   I start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re done, I drain and set them aside.

2. Cook the Beef
   In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef with the diced onion. After draining off any excess fat, I add the garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then I stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.

3. Make the Creamy Mixture
   While the sauce simmers, I mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Bake
   I grease a baking dish and start layering: half of the noodles on the bottom, then half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the beef sauce. I repeat the layers once more.

5. Add Cheese & Bake
   I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top—sometimes I add a little extra because I like it extra cheesy. Then I bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until it’s hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

6. Serve
   After baking, I let it rest for 5 minutes before scooping and serving. A little chopped parsley on top adds a nice fresh touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: Approx. 400–450 kcal (based on ingredients and portion size)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: I add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.

• Veggie Boost: I mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added nutrition.

• Cheese Swap: I use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack for different textures.

• Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken also work well as substitutes for beef.

• Make-Ahead: I assemble the bake ahead and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes well. I let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: I reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, I thaw overnight in the fridge first.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the whole bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, I just bake it as usual.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute. It adds a similar tang and creaminess.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I like using cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for meltiness. A blend of the two is perfect.

Can I use pasta other than egg noodles?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work. I just make sure not to overcook them since they’ll bake further in the oven.

How do I keep the bake from drying out?

Covering the dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking helps retain moisture. I remove the foil toward the end to let the top brown.

Conclusion

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is one of those comfort food recipes I keep on repeat—it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. With creamy layers, rich beef sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of dish that warms me up from the inside out. Whether I’m making it for dinner, meal prep, or sharing with friends, it never disappoints.

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