If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances creamy tanginess from sour cream with savory ground beef and tender egg noodles, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for your family or a dish to impress guests with homey charm, this casserole hits all the right notes. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a dish so satisfying, you’ll want seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together in harmony to create a wholesome, flavorful casserole. From the rich ground beef to the tender egg noodles, every element builds layers of taste, texture, and inviting appearance that make this dish truly special.
- Ground beef: The hearty, savory base that adds protein and rich flavor.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings creaminess and an earthy undertone, binding everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and velvety smoothness to lighten the dish’s richness.
- Egg noodles, cooked and drained: Tender yet slightly chewy noodles that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey topping and adds sharp flavor inside.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory aroma and deepens the taste profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and soften the onions, adding a slight fruity richness.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a crunchy layer on top if you want extra texture contrast.
How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well and set aside to prepare the savory beef mixture. Perfectly cooked noodles are key since they soak up the sauce without turning mushy.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat before adding ground beef and diced onions. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This process builds the flavorful foundation you’re craving! Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Prepare the casserole mixture
To the browned beef and onions, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, blending until smooth and rich. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine with noodles
Carefully fold the cooked egg noodles into the savory beef mixture, making sure every noodle is coated in that creamy sauce. Then transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking and flavor distribution.
Step 5: Add the topping
Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If you love a satisfying crunch in your casserole, dust the top with breadcrumbs as well. This simple addition gives you a golden crust that contrasts deliciously with the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese has melted into bubbling golden goodness. The bubbling edges and melty top are signals that your comforting Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe is virtually ready to devour.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes to set slightly—this makes serving easier and keeps every bite intact. Then dive in and enjoy the creamy texture, savory beef, and cheesy goodness that make this meal feel like a celebration of comfort food.
How to Serve Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a peppery, vibrant contrast and a lovely pop of green that brightens each bite. If you want some extra zing, a dash of paprika or a swirl of sour cream right before serving can amplify flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp, fresh side dishes like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables balances the meal perfectly. For something cozy, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans complement the casserole’s creamy, savory qualities marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe family-style straight from the dish for a relaxed vibe, or portion it out onto individual plates and garnish elegantly for a dinner party. Layering with extra cheese or topping with caramelized onions just before serving adds flair and personalization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a dream for next-day lunches or when you want a quick, satisfying meal without extra preparation.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, this casserole freezes well too. Cool it completely, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until steaming. Reheating allows the flavors to meld further, making the dish even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this casserole?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and offer the perfect texture, you can substitute with other pasta like rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Just ensure they are cooked al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version. Using vegetable broth with the mushroom soup enhances the savory flavor without meat.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy sour cream?
Definitely! Low-fat sour cream works well and reduces richness slightly. Non-dairy sour creams, like those made from cashews or coconut, are good substitutes for dairy-free diets but may alter the flavor subtly.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can make a simple homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing mushrooms and combining them with a basic cream sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. This adds freshness and control over ingredients.
Can I prepare this entirely in advance?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it as instructed, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines cozy, creamy goodness with ease and flavor, and this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging your own comfort food cravings, this casserole delivers warmth, richness, and that perfect nostalgic feeling. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
Print
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole featuring tender ground beef, savory cream of mushroom soup, and egg noodles baked with a cheesy topping. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, combining rich flavors and a satisfying texture with a delightful crunchy breadcrumb topping option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1/2 cup for mix, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to be combined later.
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking while breaking the meat apart with a spoon until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream into the browned beef mixture. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. Transfer this blend into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If you like an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle the optional 1/4 cup breadcrumbs on top of the cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the topping is lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the casserole set for easy serving while enhancing its flavors. Enjoy this cozy, hearty meal!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade cream of mushroom soup instead of canned.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but add a lovely crunchy texture on top.
- You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta types like rotini or penne if preferred.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
