This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. With layers of savory beef, tender noodles, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone, from kids to adults, will love.
- Comforting and Filling: Perfect for cozy dinners and potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and bake when ready.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients come together for a delicious meal.
Ingredients for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Skillet: To cook the beef mixture.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the creamy layers.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sour cream mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and sour cream mixture.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese and adds extra creaminess.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the sauce.
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a similar tangy creaminess.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
A Comfort Food Classic!
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is everything you want in a comforting family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again. Perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and photos with us. Enjoy!
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Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. With layers of savory beef, tender noodles, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare!
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sour cream mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and sour cream mixture.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese and adds extra creaminess.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American