Creamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole

3. Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
• Drain any excess fat if needed.

4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in the beef broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Mix in sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be creamy but not too thin.

5. Combine Beef and Noodles

• Gently fold the cooked noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring every noodle is coated with the creamy sauce.
• Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix lightly. This will help bind the casserole together.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
• Pour the beef and noodle mixture evenly into the dish.
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden crust.

7. Bake

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
• For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

8. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve warm, ideally with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Noodles: Don’t overcook the noodles—they will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce.
2. Cheese: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
3. Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
5. Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Why This Casserole Works

The beauty of the Creamy Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is in its simplicity. The tender noodles soak up the rich, tangy sauce, while the beef provides hearty protein. Topped with melted cheese, each bite is creamy, savory, and utterly comforting—a true all-in-one meal.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm, satisfying hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version for busy nights that uses a single pot and minimal cleanup without losing the creamy flavor. That version takes under 30 minutes. Do you want me to do that?