Dreamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty sour cream beef noodle casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Packed with rich, creamy goodness, this dish combines tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles in a mouthwatering blend.

Every forkful delivers a comforting embrace of flavors that warms you from the inside out.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing classic that disappears faster than you can say delicious.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this straightforward yet impressive casserole.

Your dinner table awaits this irresistible, creamy masterpiece that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to ground beef.

• Is cottage cheese mandatory?

Not at all. You can substitute with ricotta cheese or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Each alternative will slightly change the flavor profile but maintain the dish’s overall richness.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef or turkey, reduced-fat cheeses, and whole wheat egg noodles. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Comforts

• This sour cream beef noodle casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of creamy noodles and hearty meat sauce.
• Perfect for busy families, this one-dish meal comes together quickly and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own, turning it into a flexible dinner solution that adapts to your taste preferences.
• Delivers that warm, satisfying feeling with its rich, creamy texture and classic flavor profile that reminds you of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and tangy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty topping that brings extra flavor and texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory foundation for the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic, herbal sauce with rich tomato flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a comforting texture.

Preparation Extras:

Casserole Tools and Gadgets List

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions with even heat distribution.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing sour cream, cottage cheese, and noodles smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size for layering and baking the casserole.
• Pot: Needed for boiling and cooking egg noodles to the perfect texture.
• Colander: Helps drain noodles quickly and effectively.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and salt.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef and mixing ingredients.

Cooking Beef Noodle Casserole from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef turns a rich brown and onions become soft and see-through.

Drop in minced garlic during the last minute to wake up those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Magic

Pour tomato sauce into the skillet and sprinkle Italian seasoning.

Let everything bubble together for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.

Season with salt and pepper until the flavors sing.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Boil egg noodles in salted water until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Goodness

In a big mixing bowl, whisk sour cream and cottage cheese until silky smooth.

• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Fold in the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper.

Mix until noodles are completely coated.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Half of creamy noodles
• Second layer: Half of meat sauce

Repeat the layers, ending with meat sauce on top.

Step 7: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese melts into a golden blanket.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Enjoy

Give the casserole 10 minutes to settle.

This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Creamier Beef Noodle Casserole

• Brown ground beef on high heat to develop deeper, richer flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Drain excess fat from beef to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain ideal texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better coverage across the dish.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative dietary preferences.

Beef Noodle Casserole Variation Ideas

• Greek-Style Transformation: Swap ground beef for lamb, replace tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles, substitute ground turkey for beef, and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
• Vegetarian Wonder: Replace beef with lentils or black beans, use plant-based cheese, incorporate mushrooms for extra umami, and maintain the creamy texture with cashew cream or tofu sour cream.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, and double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten sources.

Ways to Serve Beef Noodle Casserole

Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place this hearty casserole in the middle of your dining table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors together.

Weekend Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering, where its creamy texture and rich beef sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal planning.

Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complement the casserole’s rich and creamy profile.

Storing Beef Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic sour cream beef noodle casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy pasta and hearty ground beef. Midwestern families cherish this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) tomato sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated cheddar cheese
• 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 lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine ground beef and onions. Cook until beef is thoroughly browned and onions are translucent, approximately 10 minutes. Add minced garlic during the final minute of cooking.
3. Introduce tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring intermittently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
5. Whisk sour cream and cottage cheese together in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Incorporate cooked noodles, gently folding to ensure even coating. Season with additional salt and pepper.
6. Create the first layer of noodle mixture in the prepared baking dish, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process, concluding with a final meat sauce layer.
7. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set and flavors meld together.

Notes

• Choose Lean Beef Opt for ground beef with lower fat content to reduce overall calories and create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Cheese Flexibility Swap cheddar with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Use gluten-free egg noodles or replace noodles with zucchini noodles for a low-carb, celiac-friendly alternative.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making meal prep super convenient for busy days.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg