Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

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Introduction

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, rich sour cream, and soft egg noodles into a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy. Baked to golden perfection, this creamy casserole is an easy, family-friendly dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy texture in every bite.

The first time I made this casserole, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together. The combination of savory beef, tangy sour cream, and soft noodles created a dish that felt both familiar and indulgent. As it baked in the oven, the house filled with the irresistible scent of comfort, and by the time it was ready, it was impossible to resist the crispy, golden top.

What I love most about Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is its versatility. You can add vegetables like mushrooms or peas for a pop of color and flavor, or even sprinkle some cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. It’s an ideal dish for feeding a crowd, and you can even prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Weeknight meals
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Busy cooks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole will become your favorite go-to recipe:

  • Rich and Creamy: The combination of sour cream and cheese creates a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with the beef and noodles.
  • Comforting Flavors: Hearty ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy sauce create a meal that’s warm and filling.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one casserole dish, making clean-up a breeze.
  • Family-Friendly: With its mild, comforting flavor, this dish is loved by both kids and adults.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to tailor the casserole to your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Provides a savory base that complements the creamy sauce and noodles.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang, creating a creamy, indulgent texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that adds both flavor and creaminess to the casserole.
  • Egg Noodles: Perfect for holding the sauce and beef, making them a classic choice for casseroles.
  • Breadcrumbs: The toasted breadcrumbs on top provide a crispy, golden finish to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef:

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked beef, onion, garlic, cooked egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
  2. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix to incorporate the seasoning.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the beef and noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Make the Topping:

  1. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake the Casserole:

  1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Serve:

  1. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve

  • As a Main Dish: Serve the casserole as a standalone meal with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
  • With Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread or rolls for a complete and satisfying dinner.
  • With a Side of Pickles: Serve with pickles or a tangy salad to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • For Meal Prep: Store individual servings in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Additional Tips

  • Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the dish.
  • Customize the Cheese: Try mixing in mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
  • Double the Recipe: This casserole can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd. Use a larger baking dish if doubling the recipe.

Recipe Variations

  1. Mexican Beef Noodle Casserole: Add taco seasoning and black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
  2. Cheesy Mushroom Beef Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms and extra cheese for a more savory flavor.
  3. Vegetarian Casserole: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable soup in place of beef and cream of mushroom soup.
  4. Spicy Beef Casserole: Stir in some diced green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
  5. Bacon Beef Casserole: Top the casserole with crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
  6. Ranch Beef Casserole: Add ranch seasoning for a tangy, herby flavor.
  7. Buffalo Beef Casserole: Toss in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy variation.
  8. Chicken Noodle Casserole: Replace the beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a different protein.
  9. Broccoli Beef Casserole: Stir in steamed broccoli for added veggies and texture.
  10. Creamy Parmesan Beef Noodle Casserole: Use cream cheese and Parmesan for an even creamier sauce.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Special Equipment

  • 9×13 Baking Dish: A large, deep baking dish is perfect for holding and evenly cooking the casserole.
  • Large Skillet: A non-stick skillet for browning the beef and sautéing any vegetables or onions.
  • Colander: To drain the cooked noodles thoroughly before combining them with the beef mixture.
  • Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for mixing the beef, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings together.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients like sour cream, cheese, and spices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring the beef mixture and combining ingredients without scratching cookware.
  • Grater: For freshly grating cheese, which melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Can Opener: For opening any canned ingredients, such as mushrooms or tomato sauce, if used.
  • Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole during the first stage of baking, preventing it from drying out.
  • Oven Mitts: To safely remove the hot casserole dish from the oven after baking.

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne or rotini, but egg noodles work best for this dish.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Then, bake it the next day.
  3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
    Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
  5. Can I freeze this casserole?
    Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking and then bake it when ready.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together creamy, savory flavors with the richness of beef and noodles. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make meal that’s always a hit. The creamy sour cream blend melds beautifully with tender beef and soft noodles, creating a satisfying, one-dish meal that everyone will enjoy.

This casserole is versatile and easy to customize, whether you add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or experiment with different cheese blends. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for both fresh and reheated meals, always offering that cozy, home-cooked flavor everyone loves.

I’d love to see how you make your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole your own! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your creation. Don’t forget to share your twists or tips in the comments. Happy cooking!

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