This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comfort dish that everyone loves! It’s filled with tasty ground beef, pasta, and of course, lots of gooey cheese melting on top.
Who can resist a cheesy dish that’s quick to make? I often whip this up when I need dinner fast. Just bake it, and your family will think you’re a kitchen genius! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These noodles are classic for casseroles because they hold the sauce well. If you don’t have egg noodles, you can swap them out for any pasta you have, like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is flavorful, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, consider using lentils or a meat substitute for a similar texture.
Onions and Garlic: These add depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan, skip them or use onion powder and garlic powder instead—about a teaspoon of each will do. They’re great for flavor without the chopping!
Tomato Sauce: Feel free to use marinara or any pasta sauce as a substitute. You can even use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Just taste and adjust seasoning as necessary!
Cheese: Cheddar is a favorite, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses works wonderfully too. For a lower-fat option, use less cheese or reduced-fat versions.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole is Creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, it’s important to incorporate milk and sour cream (if using) into the mixture. This helps bind everything together and adds richness. Here’s how to ensure your casserole is perfectly creamy:
- Use warm milk when mixing into the ingredients, as it helps to incorporate smoothly.
- If you’re skipping sour cream, consider using cream cheese or a bit of Greek yogurt for similar creaminess.
- Don’t skip the mixing step! Stir everything together until well-blended before transferring it to your casserole dish.
Trust me, these small tips will elevate your casserole to a whole new level of comfort food! Enjoy cooking! 😊
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (or pasta sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole will take about 15 minutes for prep time and another 25 minutes in the oven. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the casserole.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain them and set them aside for now.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet on medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. If you’re using them, add chopped onions and minced garlic and continue cooking until they are softened and fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
After draining excess fat from the skillet, stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the beef mixture, milk, sour cream (if you’re using it for creaminess), and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well so that it’s evenly combined.
6. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake It:
Now, place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly all around.
8. Cool and Serve:
Finally, once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This little cooling time helps it set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with any pasta you have on hand, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season your substitute well to ensure delicious flavor in every bite!
