Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a rich blend of cheese and sour cream. This casserole is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a favorite in many households. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a crowd, this casserole will undoubtedly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Packed with comforting ingredients like beef, cheese, and sour cream, this casserole offers the best of both worlds — rich, creamy flavors with a satisfying, hearty texture. It’s quick to assemble and requires minimal prep time, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a delicious and fuss-free meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

The combination of beef, noodles, and creamy sauce makes for a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for cozy nights.

2. Easy to Make

With only a few simple steps, you can have this casserole in the oven and ready to serve in under an hour.

3. Kid-Friendly

The mild flavors and creamy texture make this casserole a hit with children and picky eaters, so it’s great for family dinners.

4. Cheesy and Creamy

The blend of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream creates a deliciously creamy and cheesy topping that everyone loves.

5. Make-Ahead

This dish is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when ready to serve.

Ingredients

• Egg noodles
• Ground beef
• Small onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by incorporating a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free version, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles to make this casserole gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture. Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Make sure to cook the egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them beforehand can make them mushy.
• Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of dried herbs like Italian seasoning or basil to the beef mixture.
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up the types of cheese you use. Gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack also work wonderfully.
• Layering: If you prefer extra cheesy goodness, you can layer some cheese between the noodle layers before adding the top cheese layer.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For extra flavor, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

Freezing

You can also freeze this casserole. After it has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat individual portions, you can microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the casserole is warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta instead of egg noodles.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

5. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to cover it tightly before freezing.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add hot sauce or chili flakes if you like some heat.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish to feed a crowd.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a perfect dish for those who love creamy, cheesy, and hearty meals. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family or making something special for a gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the comforting flavors and make it a regular in your recipe rotation!

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