Dreamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort and convenience merge beautifully in this hearty sour cream beef noodle casserole that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Creamy layers and rich flavors create a satisfying meal everyone craves.

Hearty beef blends seamlessly with tender egg noodles, offering a delightful texture in every bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with care and love.

Kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike can master this straightforward dish without stress.

Minimal preparation sets the stage for maximum enjoyment, making dinner time a breeze.

Trust me, one forkful will have you falling head over heels for this classic casserole.

What’s Behind the Love for Beef Noodle Casserole

• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Whip up this delightful casserole with minimal prep work, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich, creamy textures and hearty ground beef, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for families and friends gathering around the table.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, this casserole adapts easily to different occasions and dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a delicious, filling meal that doesn't break the bank, using affordable pantry staples and everyday ingredients that stretch to feed multiple hungry mouths.

Garlic Chicken Wraps Pantry Essentials

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base for the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein for the dish.
• Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy sauce component.
• Cream Cheese: Rich and smooth binding ingredient.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty topping.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Savory and slightly acidic base.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spice blend for depth.
• Butter: Adds richness and prevents sticking.

Wrapping Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Step 1: Boil The Noodles

Cook egg noodles following package directions. Drain water completely and gently coat noodles with softened butter. Set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until meat turns golden brown and vegetables become translucent.

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Italian herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Blend

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Blend until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a rectangular baking dish. Create alternating layers starting with noodles, then meat sauce, followed by creamy mixture. Repeat layers. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place casserole in preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden and edges bubble enthusiastically.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot and watch everyone smile.

Wrap Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Chicken Every Time

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and smoother texture.
• Prevent Soggy Noodles: Slightly undercook egg noodles during initial boiling since they'll continue cooking in the casserole to maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Create Creamy Balance: Bring cream cheese and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to ensure seamless blending and eliminate lumps in the sauce.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the beef mixture's complexity and depth.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options without compromising the casserole's creamy texture.

How to Reuse Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of milk to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy top.

Wrap-Friendly Side Ideas

• Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the beef casserole.
• Salad Partner: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the creamy, heavy casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and olive oil to add a light, nutritious element that balances the hearty main dish.
• Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural component to the meal.

Sour Cream Casserole Spins

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free tomato sauce and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap noodles with spiralized vegetables like cauliflower noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce tomato sauce quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Maintain the creamy sauce and layering technique for a protein-rich meat-free casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and maintain the same cooking technique as ground beef.

• Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats wonderfully and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem. You can substitute with a blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. The goal is to create a similar herbal flavor profile that complements the beef and tomato sauce.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Sure! Simply swap the regular egg noodles for gluten-free egg noodles or a similar gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe remains mostly unchanged.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Creamy layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around one delicious dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, lean

Pasta and Dairy Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and gently coat with melted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté ground beef in a spacious skillet, crumbling the meat while it browns and developing deep flavor.
3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, cooking until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
4. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and meld flavors.
5. Create a luscious cream base by whisking sour cream, softened cream cheese, and a portion of shredded cheddar until smooth and well-combined.
6. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
7. Construct the casserole in layers: spread a foundation of buttered noodles, top with seasoned beef mixture, then generously dollop the creamy cheese mixture.
8. Repeat layering process, finishing with a blanket of remaining cheddar cheese for a golden, crispy top.
9. Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven, baking until edges bubble and cheese transforms into a rich, melted crust.
10. Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for several minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Choose wide egg noodles for better texture and sauce coverage, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, maintaining a rich and creamy consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg