Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce in a single baking dish. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal that everyone will love. The layers of beef, noodles, and sour cream sauce are both filling and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that will feed a crowd.

With its creamy texture and savory flavors, Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal. The use of sour cream in the sauce adds a tangy richness that complements the beef and noodles perfectly. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step recipe for making Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, tips for perfecting it, and variations you can try to customize the dish to your taste.

Why You’ll Love Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Creamy and Rich Flavor: The sour cream sauce adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the savory beef and noodles.
• Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the definition of comfort food, with layers of pasta, beef, and cheese that make it both filling and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or large gatherings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare it in advance and have it ready to bake when you need it.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or just a regular weeknight dinner, this casserole is suitable for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked egg noodles (about 8 oz dry)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Special Equipment

While making Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole doesn’t require specialized tools, there are a few key pieces of equipment that will help ensure your casserole comes together perfectly:

1. Large Skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the ground beef and sautéing the onion and garlic. It allows you to combine all the ingredients easily.
2. Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, allowing you to layer all the ingredients evenly and bake it to perfection.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring the beef and sauce, ensuring that the mixture doesn’t stick or burn.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making this casserole come out just right, so make sure to have your measuring cups and spoons on hand.
5. Strainer or Colander: After boiling the egg noodles, a colander will be necessary to drain the pasta before mixing it into the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid an oily casserole.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Once the beef is fully cooked, add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir until the sauce ingredients are fully combined. Add the drained diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.

3. Cook the Egg Noodles

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, making sure the noodles are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.

Start by spreading half of the cooked egg noodles evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, spoon half of the beef and sour cream mixture over the noodles, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining egg noodles, followed by the remaining beef and sour cream mixture, and finishing with the remaining cheese.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be golden and slightly crispy.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a less greasy casserole, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use ground chuck or a higher-fat beef.
• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate more vegetables into the casserole for added flavor and nutrition. Consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
• Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream creates a richer and creamier sauce. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. If making ahead, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s thoroughly heated.

Variations of Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

• Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the beef mixture for an added smoky flavor. You can mix in about 4 slices of crumbled bacon along with the beef for a tasty twist.
• Vegetarian Sour Cream Noodle Casserole: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for a combination of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, or use plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add some cooked lentils for extra protein.
• Spicy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of the cheddar for added heat.
• Cheesy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: For a cheesier version, add more shredded cheese to the casserole. Mix some cheese into the beef sauce and top the casserole with an extra layer of cheese before baking.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole can be stored for later enjoyment. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from the refrigerator, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Pair this casserole with complementary dishes to complete your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing touch.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a nutritious side that complements the dish.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with citrus or berries can provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory casserole.

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Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that combines tender noodles, flavorful beef, and a rich sour cream sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole is both delicious and versatile. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a meal you’ll make again and again. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting casserole—it’s a dish that never goes out of style!