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If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner, this Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a must-try. This easy ground beef casserole combines tender egg noodles, a rich tomato meat sauce, and a creamy middle layer for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

Whether you call it a noodle bake recipe or a cheesy pasta casserole, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

If you’re always looking for easy dinner recipes like this, be sure to check out my full recipe collection for more ideas.

serving of beefy sour cream noodle bake on a plate with a fork on a black background

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple pantry staples
  • Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights
  • Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
  • Great make-ahead meal option
  • Family-approved and freezer-friendly base

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ground beef

Adds rich, hearty flavor, making this ground beef casserole filling and satisfying.

Egg noodles

Wide egg noodles hold up well to the creamy layers and sauce, making this noodle bake recipe extra comforting.

Cream cheese

Creates that signature creamy middle layer that sets this dish apart from other easy sloppy joe casserole-style meals.

Cottage cheese

Adds texture and balances the richness for a smooth, creamy filling.

Cheddar cheese

Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that makes this cheesy pasta casserole irresistible.

ingredients for beefy sour cream noodle bake arranged on a marble surface including ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, cheeses, and chopped vegetables

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • wide egg noodles – no substitution recommended
  • lean ground beef – substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken
  • green pepper – substitute with red or yellow bell pepper
  • garlic – no substitution recommended
  • tomato sauce – substitute with marinara sauce for extra flavor
  • granulated sugar – no substitution recommended
  • salt and pepper – no substitution recommended
  • cream cheese – no substitution recommended
  • cottage cheese – substitute with ricotta cheese
  • sour cream – substitute with plain Greek yogurt
  • green onions – substitute with chives
  • cheddar cheese – substitute with Colby Jack or mozzarella

Variations

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version
  • Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies
  • Use spicy tomato sauce for a little kick
  • Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella
serving of beefy sour cream noodle bake on a plate

Tips for Best Results

  • Cook noodles just to al dente so they do not get mushy
  • Fully soften the cream cheese before mixing
  • Drain excess grease from the beef for the best texture
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving

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FAQs

Can I make Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this casserole?

It is best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking for the best results.

What can I serve with this noodle bake recipe?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

How to Store Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

How to Make Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake at Home

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This easy cheesy pasta casserole comes together quickly with simple layering and baking.

Quick steps:

  1. Cook noodles and set aside
  2. Brown ground beef with peppers and garlic, then add the sauce
  3. Mix creamy filling ingredients until smooth
  4. Layer noodles, creamy mixture, and remaining noodles
  5. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly
cooked egg noodles in a large pot with raw ground beef and chopped green pepper nearby
raw ground beef with chopped green pepper and minced garlic in a skillet before cooking
browned ground beef and green pepper mixture cooking in a skillet
ground beef mixture in skillet with tomato sauce and seasonings added on top
beef and tomato sauce mixture fully combined and simmering in skillet
cooked egg noodles added to the beef and tomato sauce mixture in skillet
beef and noodle mixture stirred together in skillet
cottage cheese and cream cheese in a glass mixing bowl before blending
smooth cream cheese and cottage cheese mixture in a glass bowl
cottage cheese mixture with sour cream and chopped green onions in a glass bowl before mixing
smooth cottage cheese mixture with green onions fully combined in a glass bowl
beef and noodle mixture spread into a glass baking dish
creamy cottage cheese mixture spread over the noodle layer in baking dish
second layer of beef and noodle mixture added on top in baking dish
shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled over the top of the casserole before baking
baked beefy sour cream noodle bake with melted cheddar cheese in a glass dish

🍽️ If You Enjoyed Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake

If you enjoyed this Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake, you might also love these comforting favorites:

Try this creamy and classic Tuna Noodle Casserole for another cozy noodle bake option

Pair it with Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls for the perfect side

Serve alongside Polish Cucumber Salad for a lighter balance

If you love ground beef dinners, check out my collection of beef recipes for other easy family favorites

📌 Save This Recipe

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spoon lifting a serving of beefy sour cream noodle bake showing layers of meat, noodles, and creamy filling
close-up of a serving of beefy sour cream noodle bake on a plate with a fork
4.54 from 56 votes
Servings: 10 servings

Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake

By Jamie Sherman
Make this Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Bake for an easy comfort food dinner with layers of creamy noodles, beef, and melted cheese.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounce wide egg noodles
  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ green pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cans tomato sauce, (8 oz. each)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 package cream cheese, (8 oz.), softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3-4 green onions, chopped
  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese, (6 oz.), shredded

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
    8 ounce wide egg noodles
  • Meanwhile, brown and crumble the ground beef with green pepper and garlic until beef is no longer pink. Drain.
    1½ pounds lean ground beef, ½ green pepper, 2-3 cloves garlic
  • Add the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
    3 cans tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, salt and pepper
  • Add the drained noodles to the meat sauce and mix well.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
    1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, 1 package cream cheese
  • Add sour cream and green onions. Mix well.
    ¼ cup sour cream, 3-4 green onions
  • Layer half of the noodle mixture into the prepared dish.
  • Top with all of the cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
  • Add the remaining noodle mixture.
  • Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
    1½ cups cheddar cheese
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Keep tightly sealed to prevent drying out

♨️ REHEATING

  • Microwave individual portions until heated through
  • Oven – cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warm
  • Skillet – reheat gently over medium-low heat
  • Air fryer – not recommended

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze before baking for best results
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking
  • Not ideal after baking due to texture changes

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Cook noodles al dente
  • Soften cream cheese fully before mixing
  • Drain beef well to avoid excess grease
  • Let the casserole rest before serving

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • None

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Turn into a baked pasta bowl for lunch
  • Serve wrapped in tortillas for a fun twist

📝 NOTES

  • You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred
  • Add extra cheese on top for a richer finish

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 1267mg, Potassium: 991mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 1494IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 212mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

More About Me

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4.54 from 56 votes (56 ratings without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. Marianne says:

    My husband loves this!

    Reply
  2. Beth says:

    Hello, can you offer a suggestion to replace the cottage cheese with?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Tina Lee says:

      Could always use ricotta cheese. I’m not a cottage cheese fan!

      Reply
  3. Michelle Nahom says:

    Perfect comfort food — and I love how easy it is!

    Reply
  4. SaraJ says:

    Made this for myself and the fiance tonight, and it was great! Thanks so much for a delicious and easy meal! ?

    Reply
    1. Jamie says:

      I'm so glad y'all enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lady Behind The Curtain says:

    Thanks for sharing such a great recipe Jamie! My family loved it!

    Reply
  6. Cathy Trochelman says:

    You are GREAT at photographing casseroles…..they always look awesome! And I'm sure they taste even better 🙂

    Reply
  7. caribbeanria says:

    Now I need white dishes 🙂

    Reply