Introduction

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dinner perfect for family meals or meal prep. Layers of tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and rich sour cream create a comforting dish everyone will love. It’s simple to make and packed with savory flavor.

The image shows a white ceramic dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The bottom layer is made of pale yellow, thick egg noodles with a slightly curled shape. On top of the noodles is a layer of browned ground beef, cooked and crumbly. The next layer is melted cheese, a mix of white and golden yellow, bubbling and slightly browned in spots. Small green parsley leaves are scattered over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The dish sits on a white marbled texture, and a grey cloth is partially visible at the dish’s base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 6: Spread half of the egg noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Top the noodles with half of the meat sauce and spread evenly.
Step 8: Layer the remaining egg noodle mixture over the meat sauce, then spread the remaining meat sauce on top.
Step 9: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.
Step 11: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or egg noodles to fit dietary preferences.
Try mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for variety.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to include extra veggies.
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a tangier or richer texture.
Experiment with taco seasoning or other herbs to customize the flavor.

Storage

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly and refrigerating for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through; adding a splash of milk or extra cheese can refresh the texture. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake about 45 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes to get a nice crust.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a baked pasta casserole in a white, round ceramic dish. The dish has multiple layers, starting with wide egg noodles at the bottom, light yellow in color and soft in texture. On top of the noodles, there is a layer of browned ground beef, rich brown and crumbly. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and creamy with some toasted spots, covering the beef and noodles unevenly. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, folded gray cloth partially visible beside the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. Each will bring its own flavor profile to the casserole.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Just be sure to cool it completely and wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.