Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture complements the savory ground beef and pasta, while the melted cheddar cheese on top adds the finishing touch. It's easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• ½ yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 8 oz egg noodles

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. While the beef mixture simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine.

7. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by half of the meat mixture, and then half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodle mixture, meat mixture, and cheddar cheese.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version of this casserole.

• Cheese options: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

• Add vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.

• Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for later. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. It will work just as well in this casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day as directed.

3. Can I use regular sour cream?

Yes, regular sour cream will work fine in this recipe. If you want a lighter version, you can use light or fat-free sour cream.

4. Can I make this recipe in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, if you're making a smaller portion, you can use a smaller baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of this casserole.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese you prefer.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool before storing it in an airtight container.

8. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just bake, let it cool, and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

9. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta, like rotini or penne.

10. How long will it take to cook from frozen?

If baking from frozen, it will take about 45-60 minutes at 350°F to heat through. Make sure the center is hot before serving.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is an easy and delicious comfort food that’s perfect for family meals or busy weeknights. With its creamy texture, savory beef, and cheesy topping, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

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Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a delicious and hearty comfort food recipe that combines savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, cottage cheese, and melted cheddar on top of tender egg noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Discover how to make this satisfying dish with simple ingredients and enjoy a flavorful, filling meal!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

½ yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

8 oz egg noodles

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

• Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until onion softens (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer for 10 minutes.

• Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.

• In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese. Combine with the cooked noodles.

• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the noodle mixture, half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Let casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• To make ahead, assemble casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.

• You can use ground turkey or a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.

• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.