Description

A creamy, savory, and cheesy comfort food casserole combining tender ground beef, wide egg noodles, and a luscious sour cream sauce, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make dish is family-friendly, versatile, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)

Pasta

12 ounces wide egg noodles

Dairy

1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
2 tablespoons butter

Sauce and Thickeners

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (substitute cornstarch or gluten-free blend for gluten-free)
1 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add the beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Once the mixture thickens, remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop further cooking and prevent mushiness.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked beef mixture, drained noodles, and the creamy sour cream sauce. Fold ingredients carefully to evenly coat without breaking the noodles.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
Do not overcook noodles; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and crust formation.
Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Fold ingredients gently to maintain noodle texture and prevent breakage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: sour cream beef casserole, beef noodle casserole, comfort food, creamy beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner