Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Cooking brings back memories of cozy family evenings, where love, laughter, and delicious aromas filled the air. Sour cream beef noodle casserole is one of those nostalgic dishes that encapsulates the heart of home-cooked meals. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender noodles and seasoned beef creates a comforting dish perfect for any table.

This sour cream beef noodle casserole embraces the essence of simple yet flavorful ingredients. It speaks to those cherished gatherings where family and friends unite over hearty meals. The balance of sour cream, egg noodles, and ground beef transforms into a delightful dish that warms hearts.

This meal carries a certain magic. As it bakes in the oven, the cheese melts to a golden perfection, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent. The casserole holds the promise of satisfying hunger and creating moments worth savoring. Each bite carries a memory, a story, and the joy of sharing food made with love.

Join in this culinary journey and discover how to create a simple yet satisfying sour cream beef noodle casserole that will become a beloved go-to in your home.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

Fundamentals

To craft a delicious sour cream beef noodle casserole, understanding its fundamentals is key. At its core, this dish combines a few essential elements: ground beef, egg noodles, sour cream, and cheese. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and comfort that everyone loves in a casserole.

Ground beef serves as the protein base and infuses the dish with rich flavors. When cooked with onions and garlic, it deepens the aroma and elevates the overall taste. Egg noodles provide a hearty texture, absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly, creating a satisfying bite.

Sour cream adds a tangy richness that complements the beef and noodles. It transforms the casserole into a creamy delight that ties all the ingredients together. Meanwhile, shredded cheddar cheese on top forms a gooey, melted crust, making every bite irresistible.

Preparation/setup

Preparation sets the stage for effortless assembly and cooking. Start by gathering all the ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 8 ounces of egg noodles, 2 cups of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Optional ingredients such as 1 cup of frozen peas can also elevate your casserole.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking later. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and set aside to await their flavorful destination.

In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Here, introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their delicious aromas. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper for a savory depth.

Combine the cooked ingredients with creamy elements to form the backbone of your casserole. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is completely integrated. This savory sauce enhances the richness of the dish. Once it’s well mixed, fold in the cooked egg noodles and optional peas.

Ingredients

To make your sour cream beef noodle casserole, ensure you have:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined.
6. Mix in the cooked egg noodles and peas (if using).
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Elevating Your Casserole Experience

Technique

Perfecting your sour cream beef noodle casserole relies heavily on technique. Cooking the ground beef correctly is crucial. Make sure to break it into small pieces to ensure even browning. This way, every bite delivers succulent, seasoned meat.

While sautéing the onions, allow them to achieve a golden hue. This step adds a layer of sweetness that enhances the depth of flavor. Combine the beef and onion mixture thoroughly before integrating the creamy elements. Ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole renders every bite a delight.

Tips/tricks

One efficient way to make your assembly quicker is to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion and garlic in advance and keep them ready in the fridge. Cook the egg noodles and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to prepare the dish.

If you enjoy some green in your meals, the frozen peas offer a wonderful pop of color and nutrition. They add a sweet element that complements the rich flavors of the casserole without overpowering them. You can choose to skip this step if you prefer a more classic version.

Enhancing the Casserole

Perfecting results

Next, perfecting the results of your sour cream beef noodle casserole will lead to a dish you’ll want to repeat. Pay attention to the baking time; too long in the oven can dry out the casserole while too short may prevent proper melting of the cheese.

For an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling some dried herbs or spices, such as thyme or paprika, before layering the cheese. This subtle enhancement will heighten the overall complexity of the dish.

Troubleshooting/variations

In case your casserole turns out drier than expected, there’s always a solution. You can mix in a little extra sour cream or cream of mushroom soup before baking. This adjustment will ensure a creamier texture.

For those wanting to explore various flavors, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mixing in a bit of mozzarella with the cheddar creates a delightful meltiness. Alternatively, adding spices like chili flakes can add a hint of warmth to your casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serving/presentation

The beauty of sour cream beef noodle casserole is its simplicity in presentation. Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few moments. This cooling time helps the dish set, making it easier to serve.

Scoop portions onto plates, allowing the cheesy top to stay intact. Serving warm brings out the best in the flavors while maintaining comfort.

Pairings/storage

Enjoy your sour cream beef noodle casserole by serving it alongside a simple green salad. The freshness and crunch of the salad perfectly balance the richness of the casserole. A variety of crusty bread also makes a wonderful addition to soak up the creamy sauce.

For storage, cover any leftovers and refrigerate them for later. The casserole stays delicious for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, keeping the texture as enjoyable as the first serving.

Sour cream beef noodle casserole captures the essence of comfort food. This dish effortlessly combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and classic ingredients. Each preparation brings memories and joy to your table.

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: N/A

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Description

A comforting casserole dish featuring ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy sour cream sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined.
6. Mix in the cooked egg noodles and peas (if using).
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or paprika before adding cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: casserole, beef, comfort food, sour cream, noodles