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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- 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.
- Introduce tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring intermittently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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