Cheesy Noodle Bake
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Today’s recipe—Cheesy Noodle Bake—is one of my absolute favorites! It’s been included in my cookbook, but until now, I haven’t shared it outside of those pages. Honestly, I can’t even remember where I first came across it, but what I do know is that it has stood the test of time in my kitchen.
The beauty of this dish (AKA sour cream noodle bake) lies in its simplicity—a handful of basic ingredients come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. It has all the rich, cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna, but with a much easier preparation. No delicate layering, no hours spent in the kitchen—just a hearty, flavorful bake that’s perfect for busy nights when you need a tasty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Cheesy Noodle Bake
- EGG NOODLES
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- TOMATO SAUCE
- SOUR CREAM
- COTTAGE CHEESE
- GREEN ONIONS
- GARLIC SALT
- SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
Instructions for Cheesy Noodle Bake
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and a perfectly melted cheese topping.
Prepare the Egg Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re tender. Drain them well and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: While the noodles are cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Add the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce with the cooked beef, mixing well to coat the meat with rich flavor. Once combined, pour the mixture into the bottom of a 7×11-inch baking dish or a 1½-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Mix the Creamy Noodle Layer: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped green onions, and garlic salt. Add the cooked egg noodles and gently stir everything together until fully coated.
Layer and Add Cheese: Spread the noodle/cottage cheese mixture evenly over the beef layer to create a uniform layer. Then, generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a melty, golden finish.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve and Enjoy! Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop onto plates and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes! While egg noodles provide a soft and tender texture, you can substitute them with other pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie noodles. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get too soft during baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the noodle mixture and beef sauce ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply assemble the layers, add shredded cheese, and bake as directed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a serving into the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze Cheesy Noodle Bake?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet—instead, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until fully heated and bubbly.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese for a gooey, melty blend. If you want extra sharp flavor, try using a sprinkle of Parmesan as well!
How do I keep the noodles from getting too soft?
Cook them just until al dente and drain well. If they sit too long before baking, they can absorb excess moisture and become mushy. Mixing them with the creamy cottage cheese and sour cream mixture helps keep them from sticking together.
What can I serve with Cheesy Noodle Bake?
Pair this comforting bake with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Skillet
- Italian Ground Beef Casserole
- One Pot Taco Pasta
- Quick Stove Top Stroganoff
Cheesy Noodle Bake
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 16 oz tomato sauce two 8 oz cans
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded (I also use a combination of cheddar and monterey jack)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook egg noddles according to pacakage directions and drain.
- While noodles cook, brown ground beef until no longer pink and then drain off any excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce to the ground beef.
- Pour the beef mixture into the bottom of a 7 x 11 or 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, green onions, and garlic salt. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine.
- Pour the noodle mixture in a layer on top of the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serves 6.
