Sour Cream Beef Casserole

Sour Cream Beef Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s a flavorful blend of tender egg noodles, savory seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, all baked together under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to become a family favorite. For another hearty, old-fashioned comfort dish, try our Amish Hamburger Steak Bake, a homestyle recipe that delivers the same cozy, satisfying flavors in a different way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. The layers of creamy sauce and beefy tomato mixture create a satisfying, cozy dish that tastes even better the next day. It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and versatile enough to adjust based on what’s in your pantry.

Nutritional Information

Knowing the nutritional value of this casserole can help you plan a balanced meal. This dish is protein-packed thanks to the ground beef and cottage cheese, with just enough carbs from the noodles to make it filling. You can easily lighten it up by swapping in lean ground turkey or whole-wheat pasta.

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Time Breakdown

Busy weeknight? No problem. This casserole comes together quickly, just 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes in the oven. You can even make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, affordable pantry staples like ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce, sour cream, and cheese. Together, they create a balanced combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Condensed Grocery Checklist

A quick glance at your grocery list makes shopping a breeze. With just a handful of ingredients: most of which you might already have on hand, you can pull together a satisfying family dinner without stress.

✅ Ground beef
✅ Onion & garlic
✅ Egg noodles
✅ Tomato sauce
✅ Sour cream & cottage cheese
✅ Cheddar cheese
✅ Italian seasoning & paprika

How to Make – Step by Step

This casserole is as easy to prepare as it is to love. You’ll cook the noodles, brown the beef, mix in the sauce and seasonings, then layer everything together with the sour cream mixture before baking to golden, cheesy perfection.

1. Cook the Noodles
   Boil egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Tomato Sauce & Seasonings
   Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Mix Sour Cream Layer
   In a bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the noodles, half the sour cream mixture, and half the beef mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with beef on top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap noodles for any pasta shape, use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to sneak in more nutrients.

• Pasta: Swap egg noodles for penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
• Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
• Cheese: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier, milder flavor.
• Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to a potluck, and it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter side.
• Add garlic bread or dinner rolls for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
• Top with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Storing Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage. It reheats well, maintaining its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Freeze (Baked): Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered until hot and bubbly.

Chef’s Special Tips

Little tweaks can take this casserole from good to great. Cook your noodles just until al dente so they don’t get mushy while baking, and drain the beef well to prevent excess grease. For a flavor boost, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving. For a show-stopping centerpiece alongside your cookie platter, try serving a Red Velvet Strawberry Cake, its rich flavor and festive look make it the perfect complement to these sweet treats.

• Cook noodles just to al dente so they don’t get mushy while baking.
• Drain beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Conclusion

Sour Cream Beef Casserole is the definition of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to serve for Sunday dinner. Once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

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