If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is about to be your new weeknight favorite. With tender egg noodles, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy center, every bite feels like a big comforting hug. This is the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters and feeds a crowd with ease — all in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly Favorite: This casserole is rich, creamy, and cheesy — everything kids and adults love in a comforting meal.
Quick to Assemble: No complicated steps or fancy techniques — just good, honest ingredients layered with love and baked to perfection.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: You can get everything prepped and into the oven in about 15 minutes. While it bakes, you get time to unwind or prep a quick side salad.
Ultra Satisfying: Between the beefy tomato sauce and the creamy noodle mixture, this casserole delivers on both flavor and texture. It’s comfort food done right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this dish so irresistible:

Egg Noodles: These wide, tender noodles hold up beautifully under the rich sauce. Don’t overcook — just al dente is perfect!
Ground Beef: The savory star of the dish. Lean beef works best, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
Garlic: A must for building rich flavor — use fresh for the best punch.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Create a tangy, saucy base for the beef layer. Drain the diced tomatoes to avoid extra liquid.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep umami boost that ties everything together.
Smoked Paprika: Brings subtle smoky warmth — highly recommended for depth.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but fantastic if you enjoy a touch of heat.
Salt and Pepper: Season every layer so nothing tastes flat.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the noodle layer.
Cottage Cheese: Don’t skip it! It blends into the mixture and adds a rich, velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, salty edge. Mixes perfectly with the creamy base.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted on top and in between layers for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle before serving for a fresh, herby finish.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these fun twists:

Make it Spicier: Swap in hot paprika or stir in chopped jalapeños to the beef.
Go Meatless: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian take.
Use Greek Yogurt: A tangy, protein-rich alternative to sour cream.
Different Cheese Combos: Mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness or try pepper jack for a kick.
Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or peas are all tasty additions to the beef sauce.

How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sauce

Toss in chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens and develops flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Noodles

In a big mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cooked noodles. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half the creamy noodle mixture, followed by half the beef sauce, and then a generous handful of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with more cheddar on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into a 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Let it rest for a few minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and dig in while it’s hot and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain the Tomatoes Well: Extra liquid can make your casserole watery — no one wants that.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Let It Rest Before Serving: A short cooling time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Double and Freeze One: This is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal — more on that below.

How to Serve

This dish is super filling on its own, but here are a few great sides and serving ideas:

With a Simple Green Salad

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly.

With Garlic Bread or Rolls

Because every cheesy casserole loves a carb-y sidekick to scoop up the sauce.

Serve with Roasted Veggies

Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make a great contrast to the creamy casserole.

Topped with Hot Sauce

If you like a little kick, a drizzle of hot sauce really brings this dish to life.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or bake a whole pan at 350°F until hot throughout, covering with foil if needed to prevent the cheese from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, creamy substitute. Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.

What type of cottage cheese is best for this recipe?
Small curd cottage cheese is ideal because it blends better into the creamy mixture. If you’re not a fan of the texture, try blending it slightly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the whole dish and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Just bake as directed when you’re ready.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both make great substitutes! Just be sure to season well and maybe add a bit more Worcestershire or tomato paste for deeper flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is everything you want in a cozy dinner: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to serve to guests or bring to a potluck. Try it once, and it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation — guaranteed.