Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, creamy dairy, and tender noodles, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bake.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
4. Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and sauce.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, satisfying meal!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to suit dietary preferences.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for more veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works well, but you can try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors and meltiness.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 143 reviews

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy dairy with tender egg noodles, baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner and delivers rich, satisfying flavors with a creamy and cheesy texture.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Dairy

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Cook Beef and Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute to develop flavor.
3. Prepare Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
4. Cook Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
5. Combine Dairy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles, season with salt and pepper, and gently stir until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the egg noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining egg noodles and meat sauce, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easy portioning and enhances the flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother texture.
• Use reduced-fat cheeses to lower calories and fat content.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Egg noodles can be replaced with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.

Keywords: sour cream beef casserole, beef noodle casserole, baked beef pasta, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food casserole