There’s something about a casserole that just feels like home, right? This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you up in comfort and warmth. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with savory flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy meal after a long day, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole is everything you want in a weeknight meal: quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender egg noodles, ground beef, savory seasonings, and rich sour cream creates a creamy, dreamy dish that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s super easy to put together, making it a great choice for busy evenings when you want something filling without the fuss.
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is available at the end of this post)
- Ground beef
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Sour cream
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works best)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them to be just slightly undercooked because they will continue to cook in the casserole. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the beef is ready, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Add in the cooked beef mixture and the cooked egg noodles. Gently mix until all the noodles and beef are coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with a generous amount of shredded cheese. I like to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, but you can choose your favorite cheese!
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top starts to turn golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make serving easier. Serve with a side of green beans, salad, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add Some Veggies: You can easily sneak in some vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Boost the Flavor: Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or a bit of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble it the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for beef. It will still be just as tasty with the creamy sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a meatless protein like crumbled tempeh, tofu, or even lentils for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Different Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is filling on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole. If you’re craving something a little more hearty, a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls will add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, though the oven will keep the cheese nice and melty.
4 FAQs
1. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While egg noodles work wonderfully for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like rotini or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too mushy when baked.
3. What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce as a substitute. The key is to keep it creamy!
4. Can I make this dish without sour cream?
If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt, which will give the casserole a similar creamy texture but with a bit more tang.
Conclusion
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is truly the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy, savory, and filling—perfect for feeding your family or sharing with friends. With minimal effort and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Try it tonight, and you’ll understand why this casserole is a family favorite for so many!
Print
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: Comfort Food Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy casserole made with tender egg noodles, ground beef, sour cream, and cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 lb (450 g)
- Egg noodles – 8 oz (225 g)
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Sour cream – 1 cup (240 g)
- Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until just undercooked. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is soft.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked beef mixture and noodles. Stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side of veggies or a salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Vegetable Options: Add peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitutes: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg