Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of sour cream and cottage cheese.

Layered with tender egg noodles and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.

Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, this casserole brings together familiar flavors in a warm, cheesy baked dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole because it’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors.

The savory ground beef and rich tomato sauce pair beautifully with the smooth sour cream and cottage cheese, creating a comforting, indulgent texture.

The layers of egg noodles and melted cheddar cheese bring everything together into a satisfying dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters with its warm, familiar flavors.

Key Ingredients:

Ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole and adds a hearty protein element.

Tomato sauce: Adds a tangy, flavorful depth to the dish, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.

Sour cream and cottage cheese: These creamy ingredients create a smooth, luscious texture that enhances the dish’s flavor and adds a comforting, tangy twist.

Egg noodles: Serve as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious sauce and add a soft, satisfying bite.

Cheddar cheese: The finishing touch, melting into a golden, bubbly topping that gives the casserole its irresistible cheesy goodness.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

8 oz egg noodles

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and chopped onion and cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until aromatic.

Simmer the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet.

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Boil the Noodles

Bring a pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.

Drain well and set aside.

Combine the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth.

Add the cooked noodles, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the top.

Repeat with the remaining noodles and sauce.

Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Notes:

Tender Beef Tips And Egg Noodles

White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Queso Chicken

Beef Options:

For a leaner version of this dish, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just keep in mind that turkey or chicken might be a little less rich in flavor, so you might want to add extra seasoning.

Cheese Variety:

While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Adding a little Parmesan to the top can also boost the flavor.

Noodle Substitutes:

If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, feel free to swap them for other pasta shapes, like penne, rotini, or bowties. Just make sure the noodles are cooked al dente so they don’t become too soft when baked.

Make Ahead:

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time! Prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Add Vegetables:

For a more balanced dish, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture. Just sauté them with the beef and onions to soften them before adding the tomato sauce.

Freezing:

This casserole freezes very well. After baking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until warmed through.

Spice It Up:

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Can I substitute the sour cream or cottage cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and cottage cheese with other ingredients.

Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream for a tangier flavor and a healthier option.

For the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese works well as an alternative, offering a similar texture and creaminess.

Can I freeze the casserole for later?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well.

Once it’s baked and cooled, you can store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.

What can I add to the casserole to make it more flavorful?

You can boost the flavor by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.

A bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or even some chili flakes can also add more depth.

For extra cheese lovers, you can sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any other pasta shape, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.

Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente before layering it in the casserole, as it will cook further in the oven.

Adjust the baking time as needed if you’re using a different pasta shape.

Can I skip browning the beef before adding it to the casserole?

It’s best not to skip browning the beef. Browning the meat helps develop a rich, deep flavor and ensures that it cooks properly.

If you skip this step, the casserole may lack the savory depth that comes from caramelizing the beef.

What do I do if my casserole looks too dry before baking?

If your casserole seems too dry before baking, you can add a little extra tomato sauce or a splash of beef broth to moisten it.

The sour cream and cottage cheese will also add moisture while baking, so be sure to stir everything well before layering.

Can I make this casserole without cheese?

While cheese is a key ingredient in giving this casserole its creamy, cheesy flavor, you can make it without cheese if you prefer.

For a similar texture, you might want to add more sour cream or cottage cheese.

However, if you skip the cheese altogether, the casserole might lack some of its signature richness.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.

You can also insert a fork or knife into the center to check if it’s heated through.

If it’s too runny or cold in the middle, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole.

Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomato sauce.

Adding vegetables will enhance the flavor and make the casserole even more nutritious.