Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Delight your taste buds and warm your soul with our irresistible Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. This hearty dish combines the richness of tender egg noodles, the savory goodness of ground beef, and the creamy decadence of sour cream, all baked together to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal for a gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

 

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Prepare the Egg Noodles: Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water. Toss them with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and tender.
4. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Pour the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef, onion, and garlic. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cooked egg noodles. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Layer the Casserole: Spoon half of the creamy pasta mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish. Top it with half of the prepared beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef, and cheddar cheese.
7. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish hot out of the oven, and savor every delicious bite!

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the visual appeal of your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole by garnishing it with additional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
2. Pair with Sides: Complement the richness of the casserole with light and refreshing sides like a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
3. Serve with Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls alongside the casserole to soak up the flavorful sauce and add an extra element of comfort to your meal.
4. Individual Portions: Consider portioning the casserole into individual servings before serving for easier plating and a restaurant-style presentation.
5. Make Ahead for Entertaining: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve for a stress-free meal during gatherings or dinner parties.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers of the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
2. Freezing: This casserole freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing and Reheating: To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven until heated through.
4. Freshen Up Before Serving: Before reheating, you may want to add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a dollop of sour cream to refresh the flavors and textures.
5. Avoid Refreezing: Once thawed and reheated, avoid refreezing the casserole to maintain its quality and integrity.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days.

 

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add cooked lentils or black beans for extra protein.
2. Tex-Mex Twist: Give the casserole a Tex-Mex flair by adding a can of black beans, diced green chilies, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of salsa before serving.
3. Italian-Inspired: Infuse the dish with Italian flavors by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef and adding chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, and a handful of fresh basil to the sauce. Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy Italian finish.
4. Spicy Kick: Turn up the heat by incorporating spicy ingredients such as diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, and hot sauce into the beef mixture. For an extra kick, sprinkle with crumbled crispy bacon or drizzle with sriracha mayo before serving.
5. Creamy Chicken Option: Swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. Mix in a can of cream of chicken soup with the sour cream for added creaminess. Top with crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture.
6. Seafood Twist: Experiment with seafood by replacing the ground beef with cooked shrimp, crabmeat, or canned tuna. Mix in a creamy seafood sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and Old Bay seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a refreshing finish.
7. Mushroom Medley: Create a mushroom lover’s delight by adding a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms to the beef mixture. Mix in a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of thyme for added depth of flavor.
8. Greek-Inspired: Give the casserole a Mediterranean twist by using ground lamb instead of beef and incorporating Greek flavors like oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. Top with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce and a scattering of Kalamata olives before serving.

These creative variations offer exciting ways to customize the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole to suit your taste preferences and culinary adventures. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to make this classic comfort dish your own.

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With its layers of flavors and comforting warmth, our Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. Easy to prepare and packed with hearty ingredients, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of pure comfort with this delectable recipe.