Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole – A Comforting & Cheesy Family Favorite

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Introduction

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish, look no further than this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. This recipe is a hearty comfort food classic, packed with savory ground beef, tangy sour cream, gooey cheddar cheese, and tender egg noodles. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks where you want a crowd-pleasing casserole that everyone will love.

This easy-to-make dish combines the flavors of a meaty tomato-based sauce with a creamy, cheesy layer that melts beautifully when baked. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or leftovers for the week, this casserole will always be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a great go-to meal.
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best – Creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness in every bite.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – A family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy.
✔ Customizable – You can add veggies, swap proteins, or use different cheeses to suit your taste.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, you’ll need:

  • 12 oz. wide egg noodles
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef until fully cooked.
  4. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Mix until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  4. Layer half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
  5. Spoon half of the beef sauce over the cheese layer.
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  7. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and beef sauce.
  8. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
  5. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • Garlic bread – A perfect crunchy contrast.
  • Steamed vegetables – Add some broccoli or green beans for a nutritious touch.
  • Side salad – A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the casserole.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles work best, you can use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti if needed.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Bake it first, let it cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

4. What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or extra sour cream if you prefer.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a comforting favorite. With its layers of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender noodles, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!

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