Few dishes feel as homey as a creamy beef noodle casserole bubbling straight from the oven. This classic Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole brings tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and tangy sour cream together in one hearty, comforting bake. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
This is the kind of recipe you’ll find passed down through families — simple, filling, and made with love.
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Uses affordable pantry staples
- Ready in under an hour
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Great for make-ahead meal prep
I grew up eating casseroles like this after long days helping my dad with small projects around the house. Mom would always make something bubbling in the oven, and this dish reminds me of those nights — warm, comforting, and full of real, homemade flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels like a hug.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – lean for flavor without too much grease
- 8 ounces egg noodles – classic base for this old-fashioned dish
- 1 cup sour cream – adds tangy creaminess
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – thickens and flavors the sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – melty and rich
- 1 cup chopped onion – adds savory depth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – boosts aroma and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – simple seasoning to balance everything
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add peas or green beans for a veggie boost
- Try Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne inspiration by using a mix of cheeses
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Colby Jack
- Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
- Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
This comforting casserole comes together easily with a few steps and simple ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease. (Jake tip: Let the beef sear a bit — that caramelization adds real flavor.)
- Add onion and garlic powder to the beef and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving if desired.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook noodles — they’ll finish baking in the oven
- Taste the sauce before baking to adjust salt levels
- Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving
- Great to make ahead and refrigerate overnight
Expert Tips for Success
A few small tricks make this casserole rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth, melty topping
- Add ¼ cup of milk if your sauce feels too thick before baking
- For extra creaminess, stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later — it reheats beautifully
- Serve with a simple side salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness
- Mix different cheeses (cheddar + Monterey Jack = magic)
- If you like a crust, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking
Follow these tips, and your casserole will come out golden, bubbly, and downright irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- Serve with Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls for a cozy combo
- Pair with Cheesy Tennessee Onions for ultimate comfort
- Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
- Try with roasted broccoli or steamed carrots
- End the meal with Cinnamon Sugar Blondies for dessert
It’s a classic dinner that tastes even better when shared with family and friends.
Storing and Reheating
This casserole keeps and reheats beautifully — perfect for busy weeks or meal prep.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in airtight containers up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in foil)
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
- Store leftovers with a bit of moisture (broth or milk) to prevent dryness
How to Reheat It
- Oven: 350°F for 20 minutes covered, then 5 minutes uncovered
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts with a splash of milk
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally
A little extra cheese on top before reheating makes it taste freshly baked again.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2.3mg
- Potassium: 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the definition of homestyle comfort — creamy, hearty, and nostalgic. It’s the perfect recipe for when you need something easy, filling, and undeniably delicious.
- Brown your beef well for maximum flavor
- Don’t skimp on sour cream — it’s the heart of the dish
- Serve warm, bubbly, and with good company
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and garlic powder to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked noodles and stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for best texture.
- Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add peas, green beans, or shredded cheese for variation.
