Creamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
This nostalgic casserole is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Tender egg noodles are layered with a savory tomato-beef sauce and a tangy sour cream–cottage cheese mixture, then topped with melty cheddar. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
8 oz egg noodles
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended!)
½ teaspoon paprika (adds warmth)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
½ cup shredded mozzarella (extra cheesy top)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (deeper flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook egg noodles 1–2 minutes less than package directions (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Beef Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire or paprika.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, mix together:
Sour cream
Cottage cheese
A pinch of salt & pepper
Stir until smooth and well combined.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole (Layer Like Lasagna)
Spread ingredients in this order:
Half of the cooked noodles
Half of the sour cream mixture
Half of the beef sauce
Repeat layers
Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly on top
6️⃣ Bake
Cover loosely with foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator:
Store covered up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze tightly wrapped up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Make Ahead Tip:
Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Reheating
Oven: 325°F (160°C) covered, 20–25 minutes
Microwave: Individual portions, 1–2 minutes
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use full-fat sour cream for creamier texture.
Don’t overcook noodles before baking.
Let it rest after baking to help layers set.
Freshly grate cheese for better melting.
