This easy cheesy hamburger casserole is a comforting one-dish meal everyone will love! It combines juicy ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta, making it a family favorite.
I always enjoy how simple it is to prepare, and it fills my kitchen with a delicious smell. Plus, you can easily sneak in some veggies if you want—shhh, don’t tell the kids! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are ideal for this recipe as they hold the sauce well. If you’re out of them, rotini or penne pasta can work, too. Just adjust cooking time based on the type you choose.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based crumbles instead!
Onion & Garlic: These are key for flavor! If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them, but I recommend trying shallots or leeks for a milder taste. Garlic powder can substitute for fresh garlic—1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: These add moisture and richness to the dish. Use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture. For a bit of heat, consider adding some diced green chilies.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is tasty and melts beautifully. I prefer sharp cheddar for added flavor but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives, and you can combine different cheeses for more depth!
How Can I Make This Casserole Creamier?
If you’re looking for a creamier texture in your casserole, there are a couple of great tricks! Adding some cream cheese or sour cream to the meat and noodle mixture will give you that extra creaminess.
- In step 4, mix in 4 oz of softened cream cheese with the beef mixture as it simmers.
- Or, stir in about 1 cup of sour cream into the noodles and beef mixture before layering.
This will create a luscious, creamy sauce that complements the flavors perfectly. Happy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, for a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked casserole!
2. Cook the Egg Noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well and set them aside. Make sure not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting too greasy.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Combine Noodles and Meat:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated with the sauce.
6. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spoon half of the noodle and beef mixture into it. Spread it out evenly and then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Add the Remaining Mixture:
Now, add the remaining noodle and beef mixture over the cheese layer. Top it all off with the rest of the cheddar cheese for that melty goodness.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve and eat. Now, dig in and enjoy your cheesy, comforting hamburger casserole!
FAQs about Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions. It might have a slightly different flavor, but it still works beautifully in this casserole!
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No problem! If you’re out of egg noodles, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Just cook them according to package instructions and adjust the baking time if necessary.
How Can I Add More Vegetables to the Casserole?
Great idea! You can easily sneak in some veggies. Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process with the beef. Frozen mixed vegetables also work well—just make sure they’re thawed and drained beforehand.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy it again!
