Devastating Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole in 45 Min

Oh, casseroles. They’re like a warm hug on a plate, aren’t they? I can’t tell you how many weeknight dinners my mom whipped up that involved some sort of creamy, cheesy, baked goodness. And you know what? They were always a hit! This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole? It’s totally channeling those cozy vibes, but with a super easy twist. It’s total comfort food!

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s ready in under an hour – even with a little “help” from my kids in the kitchen! Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Ground beef, noodles, sour cream… It’s a symphony of simple flavors that somehow come together into this incredibly satisfying dish. Trust me, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole isn’t just dinner; it’s a memory in the making. Seriously!

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Okay, so why should *you* make this casserole? Let me tell ya!

• It’s seriously quick. Weeknight dinner sorted in under an hour? Yes, please!
• Simple ingredients, big flavor. No fancy stuff, just good ol’ pantry staples.
• Talk about comfort food! Creamy, beefy, noodle-y goodness in every bite.
• Kids (and picky adults!) will gobble it up. My crew *loves* it!
• Leftovers? Even better the next day. Hello, easy lunches!

Ingredients for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Alright, let’s gather our troops! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can easily find. I always have most of this kicking around, and I bet you do too!

• 1 pound ground beef – I usually go for 80/20 ’cause it’s got good flavor, but leaner works too!
• 1 medium onion, chopped – About a cup, give or take. Don’t stress about perfection!
• 1 teaspoon salt – Or more, to taste. I’m a bit of a salt fiend, so I usually add a *little* extra.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground is totally fine in a pinch.
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup – The classic! Don’t skimp on this.
• 1 cup sour cream – Full fat is the way to go, trust me. It makes it SO creamy!
• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions – This is about half a bag, if you’re buying a big one. Cook ’em al dente!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but mild or a blend works great too.

How to Make Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, delicious dinner on the table in no time!

1. First things first, **preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).** This is important! You want that oven nice and hot so the casserole cooks evenly.
2. While the oven’s heating up, **grab a large skillet and brown your ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat.** Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Nobody wants big chunks!
3. **Drain off any excess grease!** Trust me, you don’t want a greasy casserole. Nobody likes that!
4. Now, **season the cooked beef and onion with salt and pepper.** Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key to flavor.
5. Okay, here comes the creamy goodness! **Stir in that can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream.** Mix it all together until it’s nice and combined.
6. **Add those cooked egg noodles to the beef mixture** and stir it all up gently. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated.
7. **Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it!** You can use cooking spray or a little butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking.
8. **Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the greased baking dish** and spread it out evenly.
9. Almost there! **Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.** Make it rain cheese!
10. **Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.** Keep an eye on it! Ovens can be tricky, so start checking around 20 minutes.
11. Let it cool and serve!

And that’s it! See? I told you it was easy! Now, grab a big spoon and dig into this comforting Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Want to take your Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? Here are a few of my favorite tips. Trust me, they make a difference!

• **Don’t overcook those noodles!** Slightly undercook them, actually, ’cause they’ll keep cooking in the oven. Mushy noodles? No thanks!
• **Use good quality sour cream.** It’s worth it! The taste is richer and creamier. I always splurge on the good stuff.
• **Let it rest!** Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
• **Taste and adjust!** Before you bake it, give the beef mixture a taste. Does it need more salt? Pepper? Now’s the time to adjust it!

Variations on This Beef Noodle Sour Cream Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the classic Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. But feeling a little adventurous? Let’s jazz it up! That’s the beauty of casseroles, they’re so easy to customize! You can experiment with so many things!

My favorite way to mix it up is by adding veggies! A cup or two of frozen peas or carrots adds a nice little burst of color and nutrition – plus, the kids won’t even notice they’re eating vegetables, ha!

And don’t even get me started on the cheese possibilities! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella would be delicious too. Or, hey, why not a blend? Go wild! For a lighter option, try this zucchini pizza casserole.

Oh! And here is an amazing idea! Topping it with breadcrumbs. Mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the top before baking. It adds such a nice, crunchy texture. Yum!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Casseroles are amazing for meal prep, right? Nobody wants to cook every single night! If you wanna get ahead, assemble the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole *before* baking, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time, just to be sure it’s heated through!

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, just microwave ’em or bake ’em in the oven ’til bubbly. For longer storage? This casserole is totally freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well (or portion it out) and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Got questions about this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. And hey, if you’ve got a question I haven’t covered, just leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help!

Can I use a different type of meat?

Totally! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great in this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole. You could even use shredded cooked chicken or leftover roast beef if you’re feeling fancy. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly! A delicious tuna casserole might also be an option if you have tuna laying around.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yep! Egg noodles are classic, of course. But rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni would work just fine. Just make sure you cook ’em al dente, no matter what kind you choose! You don’t want a mushy casserole. Yuck!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You betcha! That’s one of the best things about casseroles, right? Just assemble it (unbaked), cover it tightly, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s super cold.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, no problem! Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container. And hey, they taste even better the next day, if you ask me!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, the numbers below are just an estimate, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me if they’re off by a little!

Enjoy Your Delicious Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole!

And there you have it! A super easy, crazy delicious Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I really hope you give this one a try – you won’t regret it, promise! And remember, I have a ton of scrumptious dinners over here!

If you do make it, please, please, *please* leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, if you loved it as much as we do, give it a star rating! Sharing is caring, right? So go ahead and spread the casserole love on social media! Happy cooking!

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