Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe is just the ticket. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without fussing over complicated steps. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to hit the spot—rich, creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
What makes this Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe stand out is how it balances simple ingredients with incredible flavor. The wide egg noodles soaked in that luscious cottage cheese and sour cream mixture combined with savory marinara and seasoned beef—oh, it’s a dream. Plus, this dish is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping because it tastes even better as leftovers. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create the creamy, cheesy, and savory notes that you’ll love in this bake. When shopping, aim for fresh onions and good quality marinara sauce to boost the flavors easily without extra effort.
- Wide egg noodles: Their large shape holds the creamy sauce well, giving you a comforting bite every time.
- Lean ground beef: I use lean to keep the dish rich but not greasy.
- Sweet yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Minced garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the savory flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Look for a brand with simple ingredients and no added sugars for the best taste.
- Kosher salt: I split the salt between the beef mixture and the creamy noodles to season layers evenly.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a nice hint of spice and aroma.
- Small curd cottage cheese: This brings the creaminess without overpowering the flavor. Small curds blend better in casseroles.
- Sour cream: Makes the noodle layer luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Thinly sliced green onions: I love how they add a mild, fresh bite to the creamy mix.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack): Combining these two gives you a mellow meltiness with a slight sharpness from the cheddar.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist—this recipe is a great canvas!
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a little heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Vegetable boost: Throw in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the beef to sneak in some veggies.
- Dairy-free version: Swap sour cream and cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt—works surprisingly well!
- Cheese blend: Use mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack for a more Italian vibe.
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles Just Right
First things first, bring water to a low boil and cook your wide egg noodles until they’re just al dente. This means they’ll still have a slight bite so they don’t get mushy after baking. Drain and rinse them with cold water—that trick stops the cooking instantly and keeps the noodles from sticking. I like to give them a gentle toss with a little oil if you’re not mixing them into the sauce right away.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
While your noodles are cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef, finely chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir often to break up the beef and cook until it’s no longer pink. Make sure you drain out any excess fat so the bake doesn’t get greasy. This step builds the deep savory foundation that’s so satisfying.
Step 3: Simmer the Marinara Sauce With Seasonings
To the beef and onion mixture, add your marinara sauce along with half the salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it bubbles and the flavors meld together. This will brighten up your sauce and give it that homemade feel even if you’re using store-bought marinara.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Noodle Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir that until it’s even and creamy. Then toss in the cooked, cooled noodles and fold gently until every noodle is coated in this luscious mixture. It’s this step that gives the bake its signature creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble the Bake
Start by spreading half of your creamy noodle mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Next, spoon half the beef marinara layer over the noodles, then sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and the final cup of shredded cheese. This layering ensures every bite has a great balance of creamy noodles, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Bubbling
Bake uncovered at 350°F (177°C) for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. Let it sit a few minutes before serving so the layers can set—it helps with slicing and keeps everything neat. This little resting trick has saved me from messy servings more times than I can count!
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping this bake with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream on the side for anyone who wants an even creamier bite. These little touches make each serving feel special and fresh.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty bake with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread also works wonderfully if you’re in the mood for an extra indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual get-togethers, I’ve served this bake in individual ramekins—makes it feel like a personalized, cozy treat. Another fun idea is layering it in clear glass dishes to showcase all the creamy, cheesy layers before baking. It’s a great conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and they usually last 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I almost always have a second day of tasty meals leftover. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. I like to freeze it in portions inside airtight containers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing doesn’t dull the cheese or creaminess, which is a big win if you want a ready-made meal on hand for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Microwaving works too, but the oven keeps the cheese melty and the noodles from drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra sour cream before reheating can help maintain creaminess if it seems dry.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are ideal for their texture and sauce holding ability, you can swap in rigatoni, penne, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy during baking.
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Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through.
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What can I substitute for cottage cheese in this creamy beef noodle bake?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a good substitute for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can work too, but use less sour cream if you do to keep the balance of creaminess right.
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How do I prevent the noodle bake from becoming watery?
Draining the noodles well and rinsing them with cold water is key to prevent extra starch and overcooking. Also, draining excess fat from the cooked beef helps keep the sauce from becoming greasy or watery.
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Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace ground beef for a leaner option. Keep an eye when cooking, as poultry can dry out faster—adding a bit of olive oil when sautéing helps maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
I love sharing this Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe because it’s one of those feel-good dishes that brings family and friends together around the table. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels and forgiving enough to customize to your taste. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this recipe a try—I promise, the comforting creaminess and cheesy goodness will keep you coming back for more.
Print
Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ground Beef Noodle Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring wide egg noodles coated in a tangy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and topped with a generous blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this baked pasta dish combines creamy textures with robust flavors, delivering a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce (e.g. RAO’s brand)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, divided
Creamy Mixture
- 1¼ cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions
Cheese Topping
- 3 cups shredded cheese (1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Bring water to a low boil in a 5 to 6 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the wide egg noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: While noodles cook, heat a 10 to 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped sweet yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess oil.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Stir in the marinara sauce along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. Cook just until the mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Mix Creamy Layer: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the small curd cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and remaining ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. Stir until fully combined.
- Combine Noodles and Cream Mixture: Add the cooled, cooked egg noodles to the sour cream mixture. Stir gently until noodles are evenly coated.
- Layer First Half: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Layer Second Half: Repeat with the remaining sour cream noodle mixture and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meat sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing to help the layers set. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Sour Cream Noodle Bake.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are rinsed with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and overcooking.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste if desired.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat option, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese varieties.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, noodle bake, baked pasta, creamy beef casserole, easy family dinner, sour cream casserole, comfort food
