Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Nothing says comfort like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven. Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that brings together tender ground beef, creamy dairy, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

With layers of savory meat sauce, a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, and melty cheddar on top, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, fully customizable, and provides the kind of comfort food that makes everyone feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Prepped and baked in under an hour.
• Comfort food classic: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
• Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Easily adapted with your favorite cheeses or seasonings.
• Meal prep-friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe is organized into meat, noodles, dairy, and topping for clarity.

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Noodles & Dairy

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Topping

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Servings: 4

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.

2. Cook Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Prepare Meat Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Cook Egg Noodles

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Combine Dairy Mixture with Noodles

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles, season with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.

6. Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining noodles and meat sauce for a layered effect.

7. Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly, approximately 30 minutes.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix for different flavors and textures.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Savory, creamy, and slightly tangy from the sour cream and cottage cheese.
• Texture: Soft noodles, tender beef, and gooey melted cheese on top.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	550 mg

Dietary notes: Contains dairy; can be made lower-fat with reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare the meat sauce and noodle mixture in advance.
• Assemble the casserole and cover with foil; refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta works just as well.

2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free sour cream, cottage cheese alternatives, and vegan cheddar.

3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, assemble and wrap tightly with foil, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. How do I keep the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook noodles al dente and drain well. Layer with sauce to prevent over-saturation.

5. Can I make it spicier?
Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	10–15 minutes
Cook Beef & Sauce	15 minutes
Cook Noodles	10 minutes
Assemble Casserole	5 minutes
Bake	30 minutes
Cool	10 minutes
Total Time	40–50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Slice into squares and serve hot with a green salad.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish.
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a hearty meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the noodle mixture.
2. Cheese Lover’s: Add a layer of mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra gooeyness.
3. Italian Twist: Add a teaspoon of dried basil or oregano to the meat sauce for a more pronounced Italian flavor.
4. Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, giving the casserole a luscious texture.

Cottage Cheese: Enhances creaminess while keeping the dish light and protein-rich.

Ground Beef: Lean beef provides savory depth and a satisfying protein component.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook noodles al dente to maintain texture during baking.
• Simmer meat sauce to let flavors meld before layering.
• Let casserole cool slightly before serving to make slicing easier.
• Mix cheeses for a richer, more complex flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Assemble and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and bake.
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	520 kcal	Comforting and filling
Protein	28 g	Lean ground beef & dairy
Carbs	40 g	From noodles
Fat	28 g	Cheddar, sour cream, and beef
Saturated Fat	12 g	Cheese and sour cream
Fiber	3 g	From small additions
Sugar	8 g	Tomato sauce
Sodium	550 mg	Adjustable

Expanded Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef, and rich dairy, this casserole combines comfort and convenience in every bite.

Its ease of preparation, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd make it a staple for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and potluck events. With the tips, variations, and storage options included, you can easily adapt this dish to suit dietary needs, flavor preferences, and special occasions.

Baking this casserole brings warmth to your kitchen, delight to your family, and satisfaction with every creamy, cheesy bite. Save this recipe, make it often, and enjoy a comforting dinner everyone will love!

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