Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. With layers of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich sour cream mixture, this classic casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit at the dinner table.
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Cook the Noodles
Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Creamy Noodle Mixture
In a large bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked noodles, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and meat sauce.
Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Scoop, serve, and enjoy.
For extra creaminess, use full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
Swap cottage cheese with ricotta if preferred.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
This casserole reheats well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.