This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a warm and comforting dish, packed with ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Honestly, who can resist all that melted cheese on top? I love making this on busy nights—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Dinner done in no time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are great for their texture and hold up well in casseroles. If you need a substitution, try rotini or penne pasta instead for a different shape.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken are perfect swaps if you’re looking for a leaner option. They’ll still give you that meaty flavor without being too heavy.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. For a milder taste, you can use shallots, or if you don’t have fresh onions, onion powder or dried onion flakes work too.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Pepper jack adds a nice kick!
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: These are optional for creaminess, but if you’re dairy-free, you can use cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Creamy and Flavorful?
To get that creamy texture and rich flavor, combining sour cream or cream cheese into the meat mixture helps. This adds moisture and creaminess that takes your casserole to the next level.
- Make sure to mix it well with the hot meat so it melts nicely.
- Don’t skip simmering the meat with spices and tomato sauce. It’s crucial for getting all those flavors to mesh together.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Just enough time to melt the cheese is key—overbaking can dry it out.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra creamy texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 25 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at approximately 40 minutes, which is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Boil water in a large pot and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente (not too soft). Once done, drain them and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion together. Cook them until the beef browns and the onion becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks!
4. Add Garlic and Season:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld nicely.
5. Mix in Creaminess (Optional):
If you want your casserole to be extra creamy, stir in sour cream or cream cheese to the meat mixture now. This will make it really rich and delicious!
6. Combine Noodles and Meat:
In a large mixing bowl, take the cooked noodles and fold them into the beef mixture. Make sure everything is well combined so every bite is full of flavor.
7. Layer in the Casserole Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spoon half of the noodle-beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Finish Layering:
Now, add the remaining noodle-beef mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese, making it nice and cheesy!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously golden topping.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This will also help everything set a little bit. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal!
This recipe creates a delightful dish that brings together the reassuring taste of pasta, meat, and cheese into a wonderfully satisfying casserole. Perfect for family dinners!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for this casserole, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they don’t become too soft.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Beef?
No problem! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative would work just as well. Just adjust the seasoning to your preference, as some alternatives may have milder flavors.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, assemble it, and cover it with foil. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to revive the creaminess!
