Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that makes family dinners feel extra special, look no further than this classic Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. Savory ground beef mingles with tender egg noodles, all swirled together in a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a golden, bubbly top. This dish radiates homey warmth and coziness, with each creamy, cheesy bite sure to win over everyone at the table. It’s everything you want in an easy weeknight dinner, yet delicious enough to serve to guests or bring to your next potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a few simple, accessible ingredients can create some out-of-this-world flavor. Each component in this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole recipe adds something important, whether it’s heartiness, creaminess, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need — every ingredient matters!
- Wide egg noodles: These form the hearty base, soaking up the sauce while staying tender.
- Ground beef: The savory star that adds richness and makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Small onion, diced: For aromatic sweetness and depth in every bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that subtle, irresistible flavor boost.
- Tomato sauce: It’s the tangy backbone that balances the creamy ingredients.
- Salt: Just enough to highlight all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle, peppery warmth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds savory, herby notes. Try making your own for a personal touch!
- Sour cream: The creamy magic that gives this casserole its signature velvety texture.
- Small curd cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang — substitute with ricotta for an extra-smooth result.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pretty finish.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, building the first layer of flavor.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your wide egg noodles just until al dente. They’ll keep cooking in the oven, so you don’t want them too soft. After draining, set them aside to await their creamy fate.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
While the noodles cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it get soft and fragrant, about two to three minutes. Toss in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds — it will smell amazing, I promise. Next, add in the ground beef and break it up with your spoon, letting it brown until no pink remains. If there’s excess fat, drain it so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.
Step 3: Simmer with Saucy Goodness
Pour in your can of tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for five minutes. This step marries all those gorgeous flavors so every forkful is truly delicious.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Noodle Mixture
In a roomy bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of your shredded cheddar. Stir in the cooked noodles until they’re coated in that creamy, tangy, cheesy mixture. It’s already tempting to sneak a bite!
Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Now, layer half of your creamy noodles in the dish, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining noodles and beef for double the comfort. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheddar all over the top.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Slide your assembled casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When you see the cheese fully melted and bubbling, and the top just turning golden at the edges, it’s ready! If you like, finish with a shower of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
The final flourish for your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like. I love a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for its color and hint of brightness, but you can also try sliced green onions, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a few halved cherry tomatoes for a lively pop.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to star on its own, but it shines even brighter with some tasty companions. Think crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli for extra veggies and color. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of roasted carrots or sautéed green beans make it a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or just want to make weeknight dinner feel special, try baking the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or, create a “bar” with optional toppings like extra cheese, herbs, or even red pepper flakes, so everyone can dress up their plate just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole keeps beautifully! Allow any remaining casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days — simply reheat for a quick and comfy meal anytime.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole ahead or store portions for later, it freezes like a dream. Once baked and cooled, wrap the dish twice (first with plastic wrap, then foil) or use freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For leftovers straight from the fridge, cover and bake at 350°F until hot (about 20 minutes). For single servings, the microwave works well — just add a splash of milk or water to keep the noodles from drying out. If reheating from frozen, bake covered until it’s piping hot all the way through, then uncover for the last ten minutes to refresh the golden, melty cheese top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are classic for a Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, you can swap with rotini, penne, or even whole wheat noodles. Just keep an eye on cooking times, and be sure to cook any pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese works wonderfully as a substitute for cottage cheese, resulting in an even smoother, slightly sweeter filling. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangier note, but the texture will be a bit different.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in a handful of chopped spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms with the beef and aromatics for added nutrition, color, and flavor. Just sauté them until tender before layering.
How do I make this casserole spicy?
If you love a spicy kick, toss in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the beef or top with sliced jalapeños before baking. A pinch of cayenne in the noodle mixture also does the trick.
Is Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole kid-friendly?
This recipe is a big hit with kids and adults alike! The creamy noodles, gooey cheese, and mild savory flavors make it a gentle introduction to casseroles for even picky eaters. You can always tone down the herbs or spice for more sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why families come back to Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole again and again — it’s cozy, creamy, simple, and truly satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy all the smiles it brings to your table. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before you even have a chance at seconds!
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Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. This hearty dish combines tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sour cream and cheese mixture, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
12 oz wide egg noodles
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion diced, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture:
1 cup sour cream, 1 cup small curd cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional), 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté onions and beef: In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and beef until browned. Add tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer.
- Prepare cheese mixture: Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of the cheddar.
- Assemble: Toss cooked noodles with cheese mixture. Layer noodles, beef, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, try ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
- Enhance with chopped spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
