This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy nights.
Who can resist cheesy goodness? I love making this casserole because it’s quick, tasty, and my family always wants seconds! Serve with a side salad, and you’re all set for a cozy meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are quick to cook and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can use rotini, penne, or any short pasta you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef, but turkey or chicken works just as well. You could even use veggie crumbles if you want a vegetarian version!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, try shallots or leeks for a milder flavor. You can also skip it entirely if you’d like.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides a lovely, strong flavor. For a twist, use Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for creaminess!
Sour Cream: This is optional but adds richness. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or skip it completely if you want a lighter dish.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt?
Melted cheese is a key feature of this casserole. Here are some tips to ensure it comes out just right:
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged ones. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has no additives.
- Spread the cheese evenly across the top of the casserole to ensure each bite is cheesy goodness.
- For extra creaminess, cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking, then remove it to let the cheese brown nicely.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Time Needed:
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake—so around 35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Boil some water and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once finished, drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward—nobody likes greasy casseroles!
4. Mix in the Sauces and Seasoning:
Add the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Combine Noodles and Sour Cream:
If you’re using sour cream, mix it in with the cooked egg noodles in a large bowl. This step adds a delicious creaminess to your casserole!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Now, combine the noodles (with or without sour cream) with the beef mixture in your large bowl. Make sure everything is well mixed. You want everyone to get a taste of all those yummy flavors!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole generously. This is where the magic happens—everyone loves melted cheese!
9. Bake:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it just until the cheese has melted and is bubbling—this usually takes 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, scoop out servings while it’s still warm, and enjoy this delicious, cheesy delight with your loved ones!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your hearty, cheesy hamburger casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Casserole?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with any short pasta like rotini, penne, or even gluten-free varieties. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition. You can sauté them with the beef and onions to ensure they’re nicely cooked and flavorful.
