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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and gently coat with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté ground beef in a spacious skillet, crumbling the meat while it browns and developing deep flavor.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, cooking until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
- 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.
- Create a luscious cream base by whisking sour cream, softened cream cheese, and a portion of shredded cheddar until smooth and well-combined.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Construct the casserole in layers: spread a foundation of buttered noodles, top with seasoned beef mixture, then generously dollop the creamy cheese mixture.
- Repeat layering process, finishing with a blanket of remaining cheddar cheese for a golden, crispy top.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven, baking until edges bubble and cheese transforms into a rich, melted crust.
- 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