Name: Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz egg noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 oz tomato sauce; 1 cup sour cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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This sour cream beef noodle casserole is one of those comforting, old-fashioned dinners I love making when I want something filling and familiar. I like how the creamy sauce coats the noodles and ground beef, creating a rich, cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s simple, hearty, and always satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together without much effort. I enjoy how creamy and savory it turns out, especially after baking when everything melds together. It’s also a great make-ahead meal, which makes busy evenings feel much easier.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

egg noodles
ground beef
onion, diced
garlic, minced
tomato sauce
sour cream
cream cheese, softened
shredded cheddar cheese
salt
black pepper
paprika
olive oil

directions

I start by cooking the egg noodles according to package directions, then drain and set them aside. In a skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the ground beef with onion until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, then stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer briefly. In a bowl, I mix the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. I combine the noodles with the beef mixture, then gently fold in the sour cream mixture. I transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake until hot and bubbly.

Servings and timing

I usually make this casserole to serve 6 people.
Preparation time: about 20 minutes
Baking time: about 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor. When I want a lighter version, I use reduced-fat sour cream and cream cheese. I also enjoy mixing in a little mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy finish.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. If it feels dry, I stir in a small splash of milk.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I often assemble it ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

Can I freeze sour cream beef noodle casserole?

I freeze it after baking and cooling completely, then thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

What type of noodles work best?

I like egg noodles because they hold the sauce well and stay tender.

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

I do this sometimes, and it works well with a slightly lighter flavor.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake it and keep it covered while reheating.

Conclusion

Sour cream beef noodle casserole is a comforting classic I love turning to when I want something warm, creamy, and filling. It’s easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and always delivers that cozy, homemade feeling I look for in a family-style dinner.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

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A comforting, old-fashioned sour cream beef noodle casserole made with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked until bubbly and satisfying.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
1 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture, then gently fold in the sour cream mixture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.