This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, savory noodles, and a rich sour cream sauce. Topped with melted cheese and a crispy breadcrumb layer, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes to combine well.
Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture feels too thick, I like to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and if I’m feeling fancy, I add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I often add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to sneak in some extra nutrition.
For a crunchy topping, crushed potato chips or French fried onions work wonderfully instead of breadcrumbs.
For a lighter version, I swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, which still gives great creaminess without as much fat.
You can use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
FAQs
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
I use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether to keep it gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk if you prefer.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. I freeze it before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! I swap the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
Conclusion
I find this Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole to be a comforting, versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and always hits the spot. Whether I’m cooking for my family or prepping meals ahead, this creamy casserole delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand for those days when I want a cozy, hearty meal with minimal effort.
Recipe:

Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy, comforting casserole combining tender ground beef, savory noodles, and a rich sour cream sauce, topped with melted cheese and a crispy breadcrumb layer, perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to combine.
- Add cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir until evenly combined. Add a splash of milk or broth if mixture is too thick.
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and optionally add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let casserole cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use crushed potato chips or French fried onions instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Try different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner meat alternative.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat covered in oven or microwave with splash of milk.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
Can prepare ahead and refrigerate; bake before serving.
Freezes well before baking; thaw overnight before baking.
Vegetarian option: swap beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg