Name: Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lb. ground chuck; 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce; 1/2 tsp. salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 oz. egg noodles; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/4 cups small curd cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sliced green onions (less to taste); 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s easy to pull together but feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s one of those classics that brings family together around the table with its creamy, cheesy goodness and a hearty meat sauce that’s just right. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy sour cream mixed with cheesy noodles and savory beef hits all the right cozy notes.
Simple & Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes of cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: I’ve seen even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds – the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy to tweak with whatever you have on hand, making it ideal for pantry-friendly cooking.

The dish shows a serving of pasta on a white plate with a colorful flower design in pink, red, and yellow. The pasta forms the bottom layer with visible white and slightly curved noodles. On top of the pasta, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat in dark brown color mixed with reddish-brown sauce. The top layer is melted orange-brown cheese covering most of the meat. Next to the pasta is a soft, golden-brown bread roll with a smooth surface and light cracks. The background shows a white round dish filled with the same pasta, meat, and cheese mix. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef, hearty ground beef casserole, creamy beef noodle bake, easy comfort food recipes, family-friendly dinner ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends creamy, tangy, cheesy, and savory — each ingredient plays its part to create that lush, comforting casserole you’ll adore. When shopping, I like to pick a good quality ground chuck with a bit of fat for flavor, and sharp cheddar that melts beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground chuck shaped in a loose mound, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with small curd cottage cheese, a neat pile of uncooked golden egg noodles, a handful of vibrant green sliced green onions arranged in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of white salt crystals, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef, hearty ground beef casserole, creamy beef noodle bake, easy comfort food recipes, family-friendly dinner ideas

Ground chuck: This cut gives the best balance of flavor and moisture, but you can swap with ground beef you prefer.
Tomato sauce: Use a simple canned variety — nothing fancy needed here, just pure tomato flavor.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the meat sauce and beyond.
Freshly ground black pepper: I love pepper in this dish — it adds a subtle spicy kick that brightens every bite.
Egg noodles: Their texture holds up well after baking and they soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Sour cream: Gives the noodles that tangy creaminess that makes this recipe truly distinctive and delicious.
Small curd cottage cheese: Adds a gentle creaminess and protein boost without overpowering the dish.
Sliced green onions: A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that lightens the rich noodles.
Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and delivers that irresistible golden crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Over the years, I’ve happily customized this Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe to suit whatever mood or dietary needs hit our kitchen. Feel free to make it your own — it holds up well to all kinds of tasty tweaks.

Veggie Boost: I like to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the beef sauce for extra depth and nutrients.
Cheese Swap: Trying a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can give you a different cheesy texture and flavor.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken – it still tastes great with the creamy sauce.
Herb Kick: Adding dried oregano or thyme into the meat sauce took this from good to next-level in my kitchen.

How to Make Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef for Perfect Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning your ground chuck. I like to break it up well so it cooks evenly and gets those nice browned bits that pack flavor. Once browned, drain the fat carefully — this keeps your bake from getting greasy but still maintains juicy meat. Then stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Let it simmer gently on low while you prep the noodles and cheese — this helps all the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles Just Right

Cook your egg noodles until they’re al dente, which means they should still have a little bite to them since the noodles will soak up sauce and cook a bit longer in the oven. Drain thoroughly to avoid any sogginess later—this is a trick I learned to keep the bake from becoming too watery.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Noodle Base

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and small curd cottage cheese — this combo creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this recipe stand out. Add in a generous grind or two of black pepper for a subtle peppery balance. Then fold the mix into the cooked noodles along with the sliced green onions. The onions add a lovely fresh crunch and mild sharpness that cuts through the creaminess in the best way.

Step 4: Assemble Your Layers Like a Pro

Grab your favorite baking dish and start by spreading half of the creamy noodles in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half of the warm beef and tomato sauce mixture. Then sprinkle generously with half of your shredded cheddar, covering every inch. Repeat this layering one more time — noodles, meat, then cheese on top. The layering helps blend all the flavors while letting that top cheese melt into a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pop it into your preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheddar on top is fully melted and delightfully golden. Keep an eye on it towards the end – you want melted cheese but not overcooked noodles! When it comes out, let it rest a few minutes. That rest time helps everything settle, so when you dig in, it’s perfectly creamy and easy to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

Don’t Skip Draining the Fat: I used to skip this, but it made the bake mushy — draining ensures a clean, rich beef flavor.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Honestly, I’ve learned that softer noodles turn mushy after baking — a little bite keeps texture perfect.
Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: It adds a fresh hint of spice that pre-ground pepper can’t match, really brightening up the creamy sauce.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Don’t try to serve it piping hot; resting prevents runny sauce and makes portioning easier.

How to Serve Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe

A close-up of a slice of baked pasta on a white plate with colorful flower patterns, showing three layers: the bottom layer of pale yellow cooked noodles, the middle layer of brown ground meat mixed with small pieces of vegetables, and the top layer of melted orange cheese covering the meat. A silver fork is inserted into the slice from the left side, and a light brown bread roll is placed in the background. The plate sits on a light blue textured surface, and the background is softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef, hearty ground beef casserole, creamy beef noodle bake, easy comfort food recipes, family-friendly dinner ideas

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra chopped green onions or a little fresh parsley on top right before serving — it adds a fresh, vibrant pop that contrasts the cheesy richness perfectly. Sometimes, a dusting of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes works nicely if you want a slight smoky or spicy twist.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always something crisp and fresh to balance the creamy bake — a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon really brighten up the meal. Crusty French bread is also fantastic for sopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins — it makes the meal feel extra special and is perfect for pre-plating. Another fun idea is to layer the noodles, beef, and cheese in clear casserole dishes so guests can admire the beautiful layers before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the leftovers completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors tend to deepen overnight which makes leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe freezes beautifully! I freeze it either unbaked or after baking—just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When frozen, it lasts about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake again until warmed through and the cheese is melty.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil initially to keep moisture in, then uncover for the last few minutes to revive that bubbly cheese topping. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to make the noodles a little drier.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for the Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and hold the sauce well, you can swap in rotini, penne, or even small shells. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep that hearty texture while maintaining the creamy noodle mix.
What’s the best way to prevent the Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef from getting watery?

Drain excess fat after browning beef, drain noodles well after cooking, and avoid over-generous sour cream. Also, letting the bake rest after coming out of the oven helps the sauce firm up nicely.
Can I prepare the Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Ground Beef Recipe brings comfort food vibes with so little fuss. From the creamy noodles to the savory beef and melty cheddar, every bite feels like home. I used to struggle with finding a hearty yet simple recipe that pleases everyone, but this one nails it every time. So next time you want something cozy, easy, and utterly satisfying, give this a whirl — I promise your family will be asking for seconds!