The first time I made this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, I felt like a kitchen superstar. There’s just something magical about the way soft egg noodles, creamy sour cream, and seasoned beef harmonize to create a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
The bubbly cheese topping sealed the deal, making this recipe an instant hit in my home. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner because it doesn’t take much effort, yet delivers incredible flavor. Plus, the layers of noodles, beef, and creamy cheese are visually stunning, making it a centerpiece-worthy meal.
If you’re looking for something delicious, comforting, and easy to whip up, this recipe will not disappoint. Let me guide you through every step of this delightful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole offers so much more than just great taste. Here’s why it could become your new favorite recipe.
Easy to Prepare
If you enjoy recipes that require minimal prep and straightforward steps, this casserole ticks all the boxes. It only takes a few minutes of chopping, mixing, and layering before the oven does all the hard work. Plus, the ingredients are as basic as it gets, making it a no-fuss meal for family dinners.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy casserole? The combination of flavors and textures is comforting and satisfying to both kids and adults. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a regular weeknight dinner, this dish wins over just about everyone.
Easily Customizable
Want to make it healthier? Swap in whole-grain noodles. Need a vegetarian version? Use cooked lentils instead of beef. This casserole is so adaptable, allowing you to fit it into any dietary or flavor preference.
Great for Make-Ahead
Busy week? This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and popped into the oven when you’re ready to eat. It frees you up for more important things, like spending time with family or relaxing on the couch.
Budget-Friendly
Every ingredient in this dish is affordable, making it a fantastic option when you’re cooking on a budget. You’ll also likely have many of the ingredients on hand already, like noodles, sour cream, and basic spices.
Cooking Time
Knowing how much time you’ll need is always helpful!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the casserole, here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Egg noodles
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
Variations
This recipe is highly versatile, making it easy to tweak to suit your preferences.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: Try mozzarella, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – To cook the beef and onion.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Helps blend all the casserole layers.
- 9×13 Baking Dish – For assembling and baking the casserole.
- Foil – For covering the casserole during baking.
- Wooden Spoon – Ideal for stirring everything together.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole?
This mouthwatering creation comes together with only a few steps. Get ready to enjoy every bite!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so it’s ready for layering later. 🏡
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly, until aromatic. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano for maximum flavor. 🥩
Step 3: Mix the Noodle Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and coated in creamy goodness. 🍝
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the noodle mixture in your prepared baking dish. Follow this with the seasoned beef mixture. Top it with the remaining noodles. The layers create a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Add the Breadcrumb Topping
Blend the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture across the top of the noodles to create a crispy golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the topping to brown and the casserole to bubble. 🌟
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool. This makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Enjoy! 😊
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Boil the noodles until just al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Use Fresh Herbs If Possible: Sub fresh thyme and oregano if you can; they’ll enhance the final flavor.
- Draining Tomatoes: Make sure the diced tomatoes are drained well to avoid a runny casserole.
- Noodle Substitutes: If egg noodles aren’t your thing, try penne or rotini for a fun change.
How to Serve Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole?
For a full meal, serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flair. To make it truly eye-catching, slice into neat squares before plating.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’re getting from a single serving of this dish. It’s both satisfying and filling!
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is ideal for busy schedules. Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap it tightly and store it for up to two months. Reheat in the oven for best results, as the breadcrumb topping stays crisp this way.
Enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite of this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe! It’s sure to become one of your family’s go-to favorites.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Egg noodles
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so it’s ready for layering later. 🏡
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly, until aromatic. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano for maximum flavor. 🥩
- In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and coated in creamy goodness. 🍝
- Layer half of the noodle mixture in your prepared baking dish. Follow this with the seasoned beef mixture. Top it with the remaining noodles. The layers create a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Blend the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture across the top of the noodles to create a crispy golden finish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the topping to brown and the casserole to bubble. 🌟
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool. This makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Enjoy! 😊
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Boil the noodles until just al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Use Fresh Herbs If Possible: Sub fresh thyme and oregano if you can; they’ll enhance the final flavor.
- Draining Tomatoes: Make sure the diced tomatoes are drained well to avoid a runny casserole.
- Noodle Substitutes: If egg noodles aren’t your thing, try penne or rotini for a fun change.
