When it comes to comfort food, this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Tender egg noodles are layered with a savory beef and tomato sauce, then mixed with creamy sour cream and melted cheese for a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep because it’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Let’s dive into this cozy classic!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Creamy and Cheesy: The sour cream and melted cheese create a luscious, velvety texture.
• Hearty and Filling: With noodles, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce, it’s a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the rich and comforting flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

What Does Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Taste Like?

This casserole combines layers of savory, cheesy goodness. The ground beef and tomato sauce are perfectly seasoned, while the sour cream mixture adds a tangy creaminess that coats the tender egg noodles. Topped with gooey melted cheese, every bite is bursting with comfort and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Beef Sauce:

• Ground beef (1 lb, lean)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

• Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz)
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, with juices)
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (½ teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Casserole:

• Egg noodles (12 oz, cooked and drained)
• Sour cream (1 cup)
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (to cook the beef sauce).
• Large pot (to boil the noodles).
• Mixing bowls (to combine the sour cream mixture).
• 9×13-inch baking dish (for assembling the casserole).
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring).

How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Beef Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned. If the beef is fatty, drain the excess grease.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked egg noodles. Spread half of the sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles.
3. Add half of the beef sauce on top of the sour cream layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef sauce.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the noodles ensures they don’t become mushy when baked.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents, so grating your own cheese will melt smoother and taste better.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then bake it when ready to serve.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef sauce for a kick of heat.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your tomato products are gluten-free.

What to Serve with Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots for a lighter side.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking) in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions.

Can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and lean ground turkey instead of beef.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! This casserole works well with added mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

There you have it—Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a cozy family dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more comforting casserole recipes, check out my chicken and rice casserole or cheesy baked ziti—you’re going to love them too!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole—it’s the perfect dish to warm your heart and your plate! 😊🧀🍝