Sour Cream And Hamburger Layered Casserole
This hearty layered casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese mixture, tender noodles, and a flavorful topping of cheddar and paprika. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers comfort with a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy profile that satisfies all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 c. green onions ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked fine egg noodles ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble meat; drain well.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer meat mixture to a buttered 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream at low speed until smooth.
- Add green onions and stir gently to combine.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the meat mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with cooked noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can also be added for extra flavor and nutrition. If you want a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables for added color and nutrients. It also makes a great base for a Barbecue Beef Sandwich when served in a bun.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream And Hamburger Layered Casserole contains roughly 1165 calories, with 21g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1684mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, providing a similar tanginess. You can also use cream cheese mixed with a little milk or lemon juice to achieve a similar consistency and flavor profile.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).