Description
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort-food classic that delivers rich, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite. Tender egg noodles are coated in a tangy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, layered with a hearty tomato-based beef sauce, and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is warm, filling, and irresistibly nostalgic—perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Families craving old-fashioned comfort food
- Busy cooks who want a simple, reliable casserole
- Anyone feeding a crowd on a budget
- Meal preppers looking for leftover-friendly dinners
- Home cooks who enjoy classic American casseroles
Why It’s Great
- ✅ Creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying
- ✅ Uses basic pantry ingredients
- ✅ Easy to assemble and bake
- ✅ Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
- ✅ Ideal for leftovers and reheating
- ✅ Balanced layers ensure flavor in every bite
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat.
3. Cook the Noodles
While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles in well-salted water according to package directions. Drain thoroughly.
4. Make the Creamy Noodle Mixture
In a large bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese until smooth. Add the drained noodles, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the creamy noodles into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and sauce.
6. Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
7. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C).
- This casserole can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese works well for a smoother texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What other cheese can I use?
Colby-Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend all work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—peas, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions to the meat sauce.
Conclusion
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is proof that classic recipes never go out of style. Creamy noodles, savory beef, and melted cheese come together in a comforting, oven-baked dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking the freezer, this casserole is a dependable, delicious choice you’ll return to again and again.
