Creamy Beef and Noodle Comfort Casserole – Dive into the coziness of our Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, a perfect blend of al dente egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy layering. Enhanced with a rich tomato sauce and seasoned to perfection, this family favorite serves up comfort in every bite. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s the ultimate meal for any day of the week.
Growing up, our family dinner table was a battleground for the fussiest of eaters until the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole made its debut. This dish, passed down from my great-grandma, became the peacemaker, the recipe that brought us all together. Whether it was the creamy, tangy layers of sour cream and cottage cheese or the hearty, beefy tomato sauce that did the trick, I’ll never know. All I know is, when this casserole was in the oven, peace—and an incredible aroma—filled our home. It became our go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, and any night in need of a little extra comfort.
What makes this Creamy Beef and Noodle Comfort Casserole truly stand out?
- Family Favorite Transformed: This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a generations-tested, fuss-proof favorite that guarantees smiles around the table.
- Layer Upon Layer of Flavor: Imagine the perfect balance of tangy sour cream, hearty beef, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled between layers of soft, egg noodles and melted cheese.
- Customizable Heat: With red pepper flakes to taste, you control the spice level, making it a hit with both the spice enthusiasts and those who prefer their dinner on the milder side.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold evening, a satisfying family dinner, or a dish to impress at your next potluck, this casserole has you covered.
What You Need To Make This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of making this heartwarming Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, let’s take a quick peek at the cast of characters that make up this comforting ensemble. You’ll find the exact measurements for each ingredient down in the recipe card, but for now, here’s a brief introduction to what you’ll be working with:
- Uncooked Egg Noodles: The base of our casserole, these noodles provide the perfect texture to soak up all the creamy and tomato-y goodness.
- Ground Beef: Adding the hearty, meaty layer that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics bring depth and a flavor foundation that’s irreplaceable.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Together, they create a rich, savory sauce that complements the beef beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of complexity with its unique blend of sweet, sour, and salty.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Here’s where you get to play with fire, adjusting the heat to your liking.
- Salt and Pepper: The seasoning duo that ties all the flavors together.
- Sour Cream & Cottage Cheese: These creamy components layer in tang and richness, making the casserole incredibly lush.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty element that elevates the layers.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, adding a sharp, cheesy goodness that’s utterly irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness to garnish, adding color and a light, herbal contrast to the rich flavors
Steps To Make This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole:
Let’s break down the making of our star dish, the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole, into manageable, bite-sized steps, ensuring your journey to a delicious dinner is as smooth as the creamy layers within this dish.
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First up, we’re setting the stage with our egg noodles, giving them a quick boil until they’re just right—al dente, to be precise. But the noodles are just the start; we’re building layers of flavors with our ground beef, seasoned and sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce that’s rich, savory, and just a tad spicy.
Detailed Steps:
- Noodle Prep: Kick things off by boiling your noodles just until they’re firm to the bite. A quick rinse in cold water stops the cooking process, ensuring they don’t turn into mush as we proceed.
- Beef It Up: While the noodles do their thing, turn your attention to the beef. Brown it well, letting those bits get nice and flavorful, then drain off the excess fat to keep things on the lighter side.
- Sauté and Simmer: Next, the onions and garlic join the party, followed by the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with our secret weapons—Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes—for a sauce that’s robust and just spicy enough.
- Creamy Pasta Mix: Now, for the heart of our casserole, mix the cooked noodles with a blend of sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy base.
- Layering: In a casserole dish, start with a layer of the creamy pasta, followed by the beefy tomato sauce, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese that will melt into golden perfection in the oven.
- Bake and Garnish: Bake until bubbly and golden, then top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and watch as the table goes silent, save for the sound of satisfaction.
Storage Options:
The Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole not only serves up comfort on a plate but also comes with the bonus of being wonderfully storage-friendly. Once completely cooled, you can cover the casserole dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks. For longer storage, slice the casserole into portions and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When the craving hits, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish is a true culinary gift that keeps on giving, offering delicious, comforting meals long after the initial cooking session.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole lies not just in its delicious layers but also in its versatility. Here are some tweaks and twists you can apply to make this dish fit your pantry or palate:
- Going Lean: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs a flavor punch.
- Cheese, Please: Feel free to experiment with the cheese layers. A mix of mozzarella and provolone can offer a delightful stretchiness, while Gouda or Swiss introduce new flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
- Veggie Volume: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for an extra dose of veggies and a pop of color.
- Spice It Up: For those who favor fire, amp up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for an extra kick.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Beef and Noodle Comfort Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 12 ounces of uncooked egg noodles
- 8 ounces of sour cream
- 8 ounces of small curd cottage cheese
- 1 can 15 ounces of tomato sauce
- 1 can 15 ounces of diced tomatoes, drained
- 9.3 ounces of cheddar cheese shredded
- 1.5 ounces of Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole once assembled.
- Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove any excess grease by draining the beef.
- Step 4: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with sour cream, cottage cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly coated.
- Step 7: Layer half of the noodle mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture, followed by a layer of half the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 8: Repeat the layering with the remaining noodle mixture, beef and tomato sauce mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 10: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
