What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, there are plenty of alternatives. Plain Greek yogurt is a great option, offering a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency. You can also use crème fraîche or even a blend of mayonnaise and milk in a pinch. These substitutes will maintain the dish’s signature richness.

How Long Does This Casserole Stay Fresh?

Properly stored, sour cream beef noodle casserole stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual portions for up to three months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole as directed, but stop before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

What Are Some Creative Ways to Serve Leftovers?

Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Spoon reheated casserole into a hollowed-out bell pepper and bake until the pepper softens. Or, use it as a filling for quesadillas or stuffed pasta shells. These ideas make leftovers feel like a brand-new meal.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Description

Learn how to prepare a creamy and savory sour cream beef noodle casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender egg noodles, flavorful beef, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food dish

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz. uncooked egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp smoked paprika
8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cottage cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until slightly under al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Beef Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Simmer the Tomato Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Mix the Creamy Layer:
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked noodles. Mix until the noodles are fully coated.
Layer the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the creamy noodle mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with half the beef mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake the Casserole:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize this casserole to your taste! Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a smoother texture. Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or mix in your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition. Leftovers taste great the next day and are freezer-friendly!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of the casserole
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g

Keywords: sour cream beef noodle casserole, creamy beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef casserole, comfort food recipe