Name: Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Olive oil (for tossing noodles)

If you crave comfort food that hits all the right notes, you’re about to fall in love with this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a cozy hug—think tender egg noodles, rich ground beef, creamy layers, and a glorious crown of melted cheddar. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner, a casual potluck, or just something to treat yourself, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’re on your way to a classic dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Each ingredient in the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe brings something essential to the party—texture, flavor, color, or that little extra magic that turns average into amazing.

Egg noodles: The broad, tender noodles soak up all the luscious sauce and bake up beautifully.
Ground beef: Stick with 80/20 or 85/15 for flavor and juiciness without being greasy.
Yellow onion: Chopped and sautéed, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
Garlic: A couple cloves, minced, for aromatic backbone that enhances every bite.
Tomato sauce: Provides a savory, tangy foundation for the beefy layer.
Diced tomatoes: Use canned, well-drained tomatoes for bursts of juiciness and color.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Brings a whisper of smokiness that elevates the whole casserole.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch if you love a little kick.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—don’t skimp! Every layer should be flavorful.
Sour cream: This is what gives the signature creamy tang in the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe.
Cottage cheese: Surprising but crucial, cottage cheese adds creaminess and body.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it deepens the flavor of the creamy layer.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star topping—go for sharp cheddar if you want extra zing.
Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous finish that looks gorgeous, too.
Olive oil: A light coating keeps the noodles from sticking and adds a touch of richness.

How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures cleanup is easy and every slice comes out in one perfect piece. A quick mist of nonstick spray or a thin swipe of olive oil does the trick.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the egg noodles and cook them until just al dente—remember, they’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, crumble in the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as you go. Once browned, drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.

Step 4: Add Onion and Garlic

To the same skillet, stir in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, letting those flavors blend right into the beef for extra depth.

Step 5: Make the Beefy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you love a subtle heat), and season the lot with salt and pepper. Let that savory mixture simmer for a few minutes—it’ll thicken, meld, and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Mix the Creamy Noodle Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan. Fold in your cooled egg noodles so every noodle is lusciously coated. This is the layer that makes the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe so addictive.

Step 7: Layer It All Up

Spoon half the creamy noodles into the prepared baking dish, then top with half the beefy tomato sauce and a generous handful of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers once more, ending with plenty of cheddar on top. This double layering ensures every bite is rich, beefy, and full of cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Bake and Garnish

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and gloriously golden. Let it rest briefly out of the oven so the layers firm up—this makes for picture-perfect servings. Finish with a shower of fresh chopped parsley right before serving.

How to Serve Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even thinly sliced green onions makes a bright, herby contrast to the gooey cheese and savory beef. For a bit of flair, add a few twists of cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika right on top.

Side Dishes

This casserole loves company. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or classic garlic bread. The freshness and crunch of the sides perfectly balance the rich, creamy flavor of the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, bake in individual ramekins for personal portions with a wow factor. Or, scoop generous helpings into deep bowls and top with extra cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Turn leftovers into a next-day lunch by serving over sautéed spinach or even stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors often get even better by the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe right up to the baking step, but skip the oven. Wrap your casserole dish tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It’ll be ready for the freezer for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. In a rush, the microwave works too; just heat in short bursts and stir halfway, so the noodles stay tender and creamy instead of drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well if you’re looking for a lighter twist, though you may want to boost the seasoning a bit for extra flavor since they’re a touch milder than beef.

Is cottage cheese necessary, or can I substitute something else?

You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother, richer texture, or even use all sour cream in a pinch—though the classic Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe really shines with a mix of both.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it fully (without baking), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. Let it sit out for about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off for even cooking.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! Plain paprika will work, or you can add a dash of chili powder for a hint of spice. Smoked paprika just adds that subtle depth, but your casserole will still be delicious either way.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?

Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly before adding, and don’t skip rinsing the noodles under cold water. These small steps keep your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe perfectly creamy and never soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around the table to dig into this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s pure comfort food, made with love and guaranteed to please every crowd. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new favorite casserole recipe, too!