Description

A comforting and hearty dish, sour cream beef noodle casserole combines tender egg noodles with a creamy, savory beef sauce, all baked to perfection under a layer of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare. With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

• For the Beef Mixture:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Noodles and Sauce:
• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• For the Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation Method

Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Noodles:
While the beef mixture simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until well-blended. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the creamy mixture.

Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Spread half of the noodle mixture in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.

Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips and Conclusion

Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an additional 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Substitutions: Swap the cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced zucchini into the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Sour cream beef noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty beef for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete and unforgettable dinner. Share this recipe with friends and explore more delicious ideas for your next meal!