Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

 

 Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole (Detailed Recipe)

 

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a rich, creamy, hearty baked dish made with tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Time & Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: ~55 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles

Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

Creamy Layer:

• 1½ cups sour cream
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup cottage cheese (optional but traditional)

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  (or cheddar + mozzarella blend)

Other:

• 1–2 tbsp oil
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

 Instructions (Step by Step)

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add egg noodles and cook until just al dente (do not overcook).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
6. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Beef Sauce

1. Stir tomato sauce and tomato paste into the beef mixture.
2. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • Sour cream
   • Cream cheese
   • Cottage cheese (if using)
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layering:

• First layer: half of the cooked noodles
• Second layer: half of the sour cream mixture
• Third layer: half of the beef sauce
• Sprinkle some shredded cheese

Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with parsley if desired.

 Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the noodles — they finish cooking in the oven
• Full-fat sour cream gives the best flavor
• Let it rest so layers set nicely
• Add a splash of milk if mixture feels too thick

 Variations

• Extra creamy: Add more sour cream or cream cheese
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms or bell peppers
• Healthier: Use ground turkey and low-fat dairy
• No tomato: Skip tomato sauce for a white, creamy version

 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months
• Reheat covered in oven with a little milk if needed