I love making comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is one of my go-to dishes for that. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavors that bring family and friends together around the table. The rich sour cream blends perfectly with the tender beef and soft noodles, creating a satisfying meal that’s both simple and delicious.
This casserole is a wonderful example of how easy it can be to transform everyday ingredients into something special. The creamy texture of the sour cream adds a velvety touch, while the beef brings a savory depth that makes every bite truly comforting. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole fits the bill. It’s also quite flexible—you can add your favorite veggies or spices to tailor it to your taste. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that often ends up being requested again and again.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to bring together the creamy sauce, tender beef, and noodles into a cohesive, mouthwatering casserole. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Get ready to enjoy a classic comfort food that feels homemade with every forkful.
Ingredients for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
To make this creamy and satisfying casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients that blend beautifully to create rich flavors and a comforting texture:
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Ground beef – Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
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Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles work best as they hold the sauce nicely.
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Sour cream – This adds the creamy tang that defines the casserole’s flavor.
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Onion – Finely chopped for a mild sweetness and depth.
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Garlic – Minced garlic gives a fragrant boost to the savory base.
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Beef broth – Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor.
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Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheese melts on top, adding a golden, bubbly finish.
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Flour – Used to thicken the sauce slightly.
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Butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
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Salt and pepper – To season and balance the flavors.
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Fresh parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
This casserole is simple to assemble and bake, perfect for busy evenings or when you want a comforting homemade meal without fuss.
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Step 4:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Step 6:
Gradually stir in the beef broth, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 7:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8:
Combine the cooked noodles with the beef and sour cream sauce, mixing gently to coat evenly.
Step 9:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 10:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Step 11:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This straightforward process results in a creamy, cheesy casserole perfect for satisfying any comfort food
How Long to Bake Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Baking this casserole takes just the right amount of time to meld the flavors and melt the cheese topping into a bubbly golden crust. Typically, baking it uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) is perfect. This allows the casserole to heat through thoroughly while giving the cheese a nice melted texture and a slightly crispy edge.
If your oven tends to run hot or your casserole dish is shallow, start checking around 18 minutes to avoid overcooking. You want the noodles to remain tender but not mushy, and the beef mixture to be hot and creamy throughout.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, storing them properly will keep the casserole tasting fresh for the next meal. Here are some tips:
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Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave in shorter bursts to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: You can freeze the casserole, though the texture may slightly change. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
To ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful pointers:
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Use Lean Ground Beef: This prevents excess grease from making the dish heavy.
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Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly firm noodles hold up better in the casserole and absorb the sauce nicely without turning mushy.
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Adjust Sour Cream Amount: Depending on your preference for creaminess, you can add a bit more or less sour cream.
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Cheese Variations: Try substituting cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different melt and flavor.
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Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, toss in cooked mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
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Season Generously: Don’t forget to season the beef mixture well with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta types like penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente, so they don’t become mushy when baked.2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap cheddar with cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mild gouda. Each will melt well and add a unique flavor to the dish.4. How do I make this casserole less rich?
To lighten the recipe, use reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use lean ground beef or substitute part of the beef with ground turkey. Adjust seasonings to maintain flavor.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a tangy sour cream tomato sauce, this dish is baked to perfection under a layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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12 oz egg noodles
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups tomato sauce
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles with sour cream.
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, mix a bit of cream cheese into the sour cream.
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Add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for a hearty variation.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
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Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes