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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. While egg noodles work best for this casserole, you can experiment with other shapes like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the layers in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole 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.