This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a hearty dish that’s perfect for busy nights! With layers of ground beef, pasta, and lots of cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together. Just brown the meat, mix with pasta and cheese, bake, and enjoy! It’s like a big cheesy hug for your taste buds! 🧀🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat.
Egg Noodles: I love egg noodles for their soft texture, but you can use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta work well too!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds great flavor! If you want a creamier option, mix in some Monterey Jack or use a blend of cheeses. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese.
Sour Cream: This adds extra creaminess. If you want a lighter touch, plain Greek yogurt works great. You can also skip it altogether if you prefer a less creamy texture.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef Perfectly?
Getting that perfect brown on your ground beef is key for flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium-high heat and let your skillet get hot before adding the beef.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Let it sit for a minute or two before stirring. This helps it develop a nice brown crust.
- Make sure there’s no pink left! Drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.
With these easy techniques and ingredient tips, you’ll have a delicious and cheesy casserole ready to enjoy!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles (about 4 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using onion and garlic)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. Total time is around 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and set aside for later use.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat (this step is optional if you’re not using onions and garlic). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it’s translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Remember to drain any excess fat after cooking.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all the delicious flavors together. If you’re using sour cream, stir it in after removing the skillet from heat.
6. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture until they’re well combined. This is where all the magic happens!
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the noodle and beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create that gooey goodness!
8. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Finish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a little better.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy hamburger casserole! It’s perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or meal prepping for the week!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great leaner alternative. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Additionally, check that your canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are labeled gluten-free.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition. Just sauté them along with your onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or a little extra cheese to freshen it up if desired!
