This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s creamy, cheesy, saucy, and made with bow-tie pasta for a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite. Think lasagna vibes without the layers, prep, or stress. Just mix, layer, and bake!

This isn’t just another casserole, it’s the kind you crave on a cozy night in. Tender bow tie pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy mix of sour cream and cottage cheese, layered with savory beef and rich tomato sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and guaranteed to hit the spot every single time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• So easy to make: Brown the beef, cook the pasta, stir in the creamy goodness, and bake. That’s it.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor: It’s a little tangy, a little cheesy, and super satisfying. Perfect for picky eaters and hungry grown-ups.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers keep really well and reheat beautifully—hello, lunch tomorrow.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples like tomato sauce, ground beef, and pasta.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Here’s what goes into this creamy, comforting casserole:

• Bow tie pasta: You can use any short pasta, but bow ties make it fun and hold sauce well. You can also use extra wide egg noodles.
• Lean ground beef: 80/20 or leaner both work, just drain excess fat after browning.
• Onion & garlic: Adds savory flavor to the meat base.
• Tomato sauce: We’re using two cans here to keep things nice and saucy.
• Italian seasoning: A simple way to add herby flavor without extra effort.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
• Cottage cheese: Makes it super creamy and rich and it melts right in.
• Cheddar cheese: For that melty, golden topping.
• Salt & pepper: Always season to taste!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, cook your bow-tie pasta and set aside.

Second, brown ground beef with onion, then add garlic and seasonings.

a)

b)

Third, stir in tomato sauce and let it simmer.

a)

b)

Fourth, in a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese. Toss with cooked pasta.

a)

b)

c)

Fifth, layer pasta mixture and beef sauce in a casserole dish.

Sixth, top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Variations

• Turkey instead of beef: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something lighter.
• Add a crunchy topping: Crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions on top before baking = extra texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sauces.
• Cheese it up: Mix in mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.

FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze it?
   Totally. Bake it, let it cool, then freeze in portions or the whole thing. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
3. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
   Yes, ricotta will give you a smoother, richer result.
4. Is this spicy?
   Nope, it’s kid-friendly as written. Want a kick? Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
5. What should I serve with it?
   A simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side balances this meal out nicely.

Top Tips for Success

• Salt your pasta water! It’s the first layer of flavor.
• Drain the beef well. You want a saucy casserole, not a greasy one.
• Let it rest after baking. Just 5 minutes help everything settle for cleaner slices.
• Use full-fat dairy for the best flavor. It melts creamier and adds richness.

Troubleshooting

• My pasta is mushy!
  Only cook it until just al dente before baking, it will soften more in the oven.
• My cheese isn’t melting evenly.
  Grate your own cheddar! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
• The casserole is too dry.
  Be sure to simmer your sauce but not over-reduce it. And don’t skip the sour cream/cottage cheese, it keeps everything creamy.

Hearty Beef Noodle Bake

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s creamy, cheesy, saucy, and made with bow-tie pasta for a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite. Think lasagna vibes without the layers, prep, or stress. Just mix, layer, and bake!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 oz bow tie pasta, or egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stir in both cans of tomato sauce. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add cooked noodles and stir to coat evenly.
7. Layer half the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half the beef sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles and beef sauce.
8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
10. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.