Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, classic dish that I love making when I want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It combines tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all baked together with melted cheese on top. It’s a cozy, family-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this casserole is to make with ingredients I almost always have on hand. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors. The sour cream gives the noodles a smooth, tangy twist that balances the savory beef and tomato sauce perfectly. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal — I can prep it in advance and bake it when I’m ready, which makes weeknights so much easier.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Egg noodles

• Ground beef

• Onion (chopped)

• Garlic (minced)

• Tomato sauce

• Sour cream

• Cottage cheese or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Paprika (optional)

• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. I boil the egg noodles until just tender, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. I add the garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for another minute.

4. I stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors come together.

5. In a separate bowl, I mix the cooked noodles with sour cream (and cottage cheese if using) until evenly coated.

6. I layer half the noodles in the bottom of the baking dish, then top with half the beef mixture. I repeat the layers and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

7. I bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

8. I let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley or green onions and serving.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves 6–8 people. It takes about 15–20 minutes to prep, and 25–30 minutes to bake, so dinner is ready in under an hour.

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped green bell pepper or mushrooms to the beef for extra veggies.

• For a richer flavor, I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese in the noodle mixture.

• If I want more spice, I stir in a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy tomato sauce.

• A topping of crispy fried onions or buttered breadcrumbs adds a crunchy finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. If it seems dry, I add a splash of milk or tomato sauce before reheating. This casserole also freezes well — I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. I bake it just before serving and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I usually use egg noodles, but penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni also work well in this casserole.

Is cottage cheese necessary?

No, it’s optional. I’ve made it with just sour cream, or substituted with cream cheese, and it still turns out creamy and delicious.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I usually pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. I wrap it tightly (before or after baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is one of those easy, reliable recipes that always delivers comfort and flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory beef and pasta — a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Once I made it, it quickly became a staple in my weekly rotation.

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