Description

This Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender egg noodles mixed with a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese blend, layered with savory ground beef cooked in marinara sauce, and topped with melty provolone cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese Mixture

12 ounces egg noodles (1 package)
1½ cups sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onion
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder

Beef and Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, 1 jar)

Topping and Garnish

2 cups shredded provolone cheese or mozzarella, divided
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well, then return the noodles to the pot you cooked them in.
Prepare the creamy mixture: In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped chives or green onion, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Stir this mixture into the cooked noodles gently until well combined. Set aside.
Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly to combine.
Assemble the bake: Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese to form two layers.
Bake and garnish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the dish is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the sour cream or cottage cheese with cream cheese or ricotta.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce can add a nice spicy kick.
To make the dish faster, prepare the noodles and meat sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking.