This creamy beef noodle casserole combines tender ground beef, rich sour cream, and hearty noodles into a warm, comforting dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how easy it is to throw together, and it’s always a hit with family. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These provide a soft and chewy texture that holds the sauce well. If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute with rotini or penne pasta. Just cook them until al dente to avoid mushiness in the casserole.
Ground Beef: A classic choice here! You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tempeh or mushrooms, which provide a hearty base.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, plain Greek yogurt works well. Just be careful with the heat as it can curdle more easily than sour cream.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is key for creaminess and flavor. You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you want to skip the canned option. For a dairy-free choice, look for coconut cream or blended silken tofu.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great taste, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or a cheese blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can You Ensure Everything is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
One of the most important steps is to mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly and then combine them with the noodles and beef. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. This ensures no lumps.
- When adding the beef and noodles, stir gently but thoroughly. You want everything evenly coated for that creamy goodness.
- When pouring into your baking dish, use a spatula to spread it out evenly before adding the cheese on top.
Taking these steps will help ensure every bite of the casserole is deliciously creamy and flavorful!
How to Make Creamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when it’s time to bake the casserole!
2. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside. This will keep them from becoming mushy in the casserole!
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it starts to smell good!
4. Add the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat is nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Once browned, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
5. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and dried parsley (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked beef mixture and drained noodles to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Now, make sure your oven is preheated, and pop the casserole in. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
9. Let it Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little, making it easier to serve!
And there you have it! Enjoy your creamy, comforting sour cream beef noodle casserole—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Noodles Instead of Egg Noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles will work just fine and add some extra fiber to your dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since whole wheat noodles may cook slightly differently than egg noodles.
How Can I Make This Recipe Without Meat?
You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to keep the flavor intact!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to cover them to keep moisture in!
