🍲 Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting baked pasta dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese. It’s the kind of old-fashioned family recipe that brings warmth to the table with every bite. Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
📝 Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Noodle Layer
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
Creamy Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
👩🍳 Full Instructions
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the beef mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Mix in salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy layer
In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half of the noodles
- Half of the sour cream mixture
- Half of the beef mixture
- Repeat layers
Top with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Pickles or coleslaw for contrast
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture
- Don’t overcook noodles—they continue cooking in the oven
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation
- Great for freezing before or after baking
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting—a perfect baked pasta dish that brings classic homestyle flavor to your dinner table. 🍲🧀✨

