Cozy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe for Hearty Dinners

Whipping up a satisfying sour cream beef noodle casserole brings comfort to any dinner table.

Creamy textures and hearty flavors merge seamlessly in this classic dish.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated such simple yet delicious meals that feed hungry souls.

Layers of tender egg noodles cushion seasoned ground beef beneath a rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese melts perfectly across the top, creating a golden-brown crust that promises incredible taste.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you can pull together such a crowd-pleasing recipe.

Warm, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile, this casserole delivers pure culinary joy.

Jump in and create this delectable meal that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

Big Reasons To Try Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, satisfying dish that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy layers and savory beef sauce.
• Family Dinner Hero: Perfect for pleasing picky eaters and bringing everyone together around the table with its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that stretch to feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Must-Have Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the casserole that provides rich protein.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and savory taste to enhance the overall dish.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Create a creamy and tangy base for the noodle mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty topping that provides a golden and delicious finish.

• Egg Noodles: Provides a soft and comforting foundation for the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives a rich and slightly acidic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that contribute a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole How-To Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium-high heat. Break up the meat and cook until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for an extra minute to release its wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the meat mixture.

Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the rich flavors.

Once it’s looking delicious, remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Noodle Base

• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Fold in the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and looking creamy.

Step 6: Layer the First Noodle Base

Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top this layer with half of the meat sauce.

Step 7: Complete the Layering

Add the remaining noodle mixture over the first meat sauce layer. Finish by topping with the rest of the meat sauce.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese across the entire casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted into a golden, tempting top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Easy Tricks For Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Boost the flavor by using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the casserole. Select wide egg noodles for better texture and easier mixing with the creamy sauce. Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, tangier alternative that keeps the dish lighter. Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully. Freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals, ensuring you wrap tightly in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste.

Creative Takes On Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Spicy Jalapeño Beef Casserole: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for a fiery kick. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Replace ground beef with ground lamb. Mix in oregano, mint, and feta cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Version: Swap ground beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat sauce. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
• Tex-Mex Style Casserole: Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat sauce. Add black beans and corn. Top with crushed tortilla chips and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Tasty Matches For Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy texture and complement the beef's savory notes.
• Balance with Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to contrast the casserole's warmth and add freshness to the meal.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select a medium-bodied amber ale or pale lager that will match the casserole's robust flavors without overpowering the delicate sour cream and cheese blend.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the dish, add a pop of color, and introduce a subtle herbal complexity to each bite.

Keep Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the casserole cools completely before sealing.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Questions Answered

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole and provides similar texture and flavor.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef after cooking?

Always drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and ensure a cleaner taste.

• What type of egg noodles work best?

Wide egg noodles are ideal for this recipe as they hold the sauce well and provide a classic, hearty texture that complements the beef perfectly.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy families.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting sour cream beef noodle casserole delivers hearty midwestern flavors in one simple dish. Creamy noodles and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinner nights you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Dairy Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese, grated

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour tomato sauce into the meat mixture, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
4. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
5. Combine sour cream and cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl, then fold in the cooked noodles. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until evenly incorporated.
6. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the creamy noodle mixture, then top with half of the meat sauce.
7. Complete the layering by adding the remaining noodle mixture and covering with the remaining meat sauce.
8. Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is completely melted and golden.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Use low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat sour cream and cottage cheese to make the casserole lighter without compromising creamy richness.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg