Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender egg noodles with savory ground beef and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 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. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Step 6: Spread half of the egg noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining egg noodles and meat sauce.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter variation.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a little grated Parmesan cheese along with the cheddar.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne or rotini works well, but egg noodles are preferred for their texture in this casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed just before serving.
PrintSour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef tomato sauce, and creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors and creamy textures into a satisfying casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
Noodles and Dairy
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- 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 cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the two cans of tomato sauce and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Combine Dairy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles to this mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently but thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the sour cream and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top this layer with half of the meat tomato sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles and meat sauce to build a balanced casserole.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden, about 30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it set slightly for easier serving. Enjoy your comforting sour cream beef noodle casserole!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers.
- You can substitute the egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or rotini.
- To make it lighter, use low-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added vegetables.
Keywords: Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Baked Noodle Dish, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
