Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Sour Cream Noodle Bake captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Sour Cream Noodle Bake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 small sweet onion, small diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15-ounce can tomato sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces egg noodles
1 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese
¾ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef into crumbles
Cook until there is no pink left and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the garlic and stir it in until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, turn the heat down to low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, cook and drain the egg noodles per the package directions.
In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Add the noodles to the bowl and stir so the noodles are coated.
Place half of the noodles into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top with half of the sauce.
Top with half of the cheese.
Repeat with the noodles, sauce, and cheese. Place into the oven for 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese has melted.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.