Ground Beef Noodle Casserole with Sour Cream

Nothing says comfort like a creamy, cheesy casserole, and Ground Beef Noodle Casserole with Sour Cream is the ultimate example. Tender egg noodles tossed with savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, and a blend of flavorful seasonings create a dish that’s satisfying, family-friendly, and easy to prepare. Topped with melted cheese and optional crispy breadcrumbs, it’s the perfect meal for weeknights, potlucks, or casual family gatherings. This casserole combines the classic flavors of hearty beef, rich creaminess, and tangy sour cream with soft noodles, creating a comforting dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients, add vegetables, or make it ahead for a hassle-free dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Noodle Casserole

The combination of noodles, beef, and creamy sauce hits all the right notes, savory, cheesy, and just tangy enough from the sour cream to make it irresistible.

One-dish convenience: Everything cooks in a single casserole dish for minimal cleanup.
Family-friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and hearty flavors are loved by both kids and adults.
Customizable: Easily add vegetables, switch proteins, or experiment with cheeses.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake later.
Comfort food classic: Perfect for cold nights, potlucks, or anytime you crave hearty home cooking.

Ingredients Overview

For the Beef Mixture

Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a savory base. Use lean or regular beef depending on preference.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and flavor depth.
Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced): Infuses a rich, aromatic flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef.
Paprika (1 tsp): Adds subtle smokiness and enhances color.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp, optional): Adds depth and umami flavor.

For the Noodles

Egg noodles (12 oz): Soft, tender, and able to absorb the creamy sauce.

For the Creamy Sauce

Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and richness, creating a creamy texture.
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Provides extra creaminess and flavor. Can substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken.
Milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce slightly for perfect consistency.
Dijon mustard (1 tsp, optional): Adds subtle tang and depth.
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.

For the Topping

Shredded cheddar cheese (1–2 cups): Melts into a gooey, golden crust. Mix with mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a light crunch to the cheesy top layer.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This prevents overcooking when baking the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onions and garlic, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the onions are soft and beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Noodles, Beef, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl or directly in the skillet, gently fold together cooked noodles, beef mixture, and creamy sauce. Ensure noodles are coated evenly with the sauce for consistent flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Flavor and Texture

This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and hearty. The egg noodles are tender but not mushy, soaking up the rich sauce. The ground beef adds savory depth, while the sour cream provides a tangy balance to the richness. The golden, melted cheese topping adds gooey indulgence, and optional breadcrumbs bring a crunchy contrast. Every bite is a comforting combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for the Best Casserole

Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles finish baking without becoming mushy.
Use freshly grated cheese: Melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Adjust creaminess: Add a bit more sour cream or milk if you prefer a saucier casserole.
Season to taste: Always taste the beef mixture and sauce before combining.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the casserole a few hours in advance for convenience.

Variations and Customizations

Add Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, peas, mushrooms, spinach, or carrots can be added for flavor and nutrition.

Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work well in place of beef.

Cheese Variations: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a richer, creamier flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Crunchy Topping: Use crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

Herb Variations: Fold in fresh thyme, oregano, tarragon, or chives for aromatic complexity.

Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing: Assemble unbaked and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C), adding 10–15 minutes to ensure it heats through.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crostini to soak up the creamy sauce.
Great for potlucks or family gatherings because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
Portion into meal prep containers for lunches or weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Noodle Casserole with Sour Cream is the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and hearty. With tender noodles, flavorful beef, and a rich sour cream sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Its versatility allows for countless variations, from adding vegetables and spices to switching up the cheese or protein. Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe, it’s a dish designed for convenience without compromising flavor. Once you try this casserole, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for cozy, satisfying meals that everyone will love. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotini or penne instead of egg noodles?
Yes, any short pasta works, though egg noodles give the classic texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based sour cream and dairy-free cheese to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, spinach, or carrots all complement the flavors.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How do I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra 1/2 cup sour cream or a splash of milk to the sauce.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or a homemade white sauce work well as alternatives.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add cayenne, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy noodles and cheesy, savory flavor make it a favorite for kids.