Description
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish combining tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a rich sour cream sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for easy family dinners, make-ahead meals, and holiday gatherings, this classic casserole delivers nostalgic flavors with simple pantry ingredients and satisfying, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodle Layer
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 blend)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente according to package directions, ensuring they retain a slight bite to avoid over-softening during baking. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring and breaking the beef into small crumbles until browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until completely smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooked noodles, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the creamy noodle mixture across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese, then top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set the layers and make serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for best texture that holds up during baking.
- Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Drain excess grease from beef to avoid greasy casserole.
- Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese create the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat versions can be used.
- Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide excellent flavor and meltability.
- The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Freeze uncooked or cooked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for variation.
- Do not overbake to avoid dryness; bake until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Baked Casserole, Family Meal, Ground Beef Recipe, Creamy Noodles, Classic American Casserole
