Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and comforting casserole
Hearty beef and noodle combination
Easy family-friendly dinner recipe
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Rich cheesy baked texture
Simple ingredients and easy preparation
Perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
egg noodles
sour cream
cream cheese
cottage cheese
shredded cheddar cheese
tomato sauce
onion
garlic
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper

Optional additions:

mushrooms
spinach
mozzarella cheese
parsley
red pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a casserole dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
Add garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for several minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Stir the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture until coated.
Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Layer half of the beef mixture over the noodles.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey instead of beef.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional and work perfectly for this casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, it freezes very well before or after baking.

What does cottage cheese do in the recipe?

It adds creaminess and richness to the noodle layer.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta is a great substitute.

How do I keep the casserole creamy?

Avoid overbaking and use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, and peppers work well.

What cheese melts best on top?

Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully.

Is this casserole spicy?

No, but you can add spice with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

What can I serve with noodle casserole?

Garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is a hearty and comforting dinner packed with creamy noodles, savory beef, and melty cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or leftovers, this baked casserole delivers classic comfort food flavor in every bite. Warm, satisfying, and simple to make, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

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Beefy Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish layered with savory ground beef, creamy noodles, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this hearty casserole is warm, satisfying, and packed with classic comfort food flavor.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a casserole dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain well.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
Add the garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for several minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Stir the cooked noodles into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Layer half of the beef mixture over the noodles.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.

Notes

Egg noodles are traditional and provide the best texture for this casserole.
Ricotta cheese can be substituted for cottage cheese.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
Greek yogurt may be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg