Oh, this Hamburger Casserole Recipe – it’s my go-to dish when I need something hearty, comforting, and ready in a flash. You know those nights when everyone’s hungry, time’s running out, and you just need dinner on the table without fuss? That’s when this casserole becomes my kitchen hero. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it for my family – the kids gobble it up (which, let’s be honest, is always a win), and my husband always asks for seconds. The best part? It’s just so darn simple. Ground beef, egg noodles, a creamy cheese topping – it’s like a hug in a baking dish. I love that it takes basic pantry staples and turns them into something special. Plus, who can resist that golden, bubbly cheese on top? Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this Hamburger Casserole never disappoints.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Listen, I don’t just make this Hamburger Casserole because it’s easy – though, wow, is it ever! – but because it checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s why it’s become a staple in our house:
- Quick prep: From fridge to oven in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. No fancy techniques here – just brown the beef, boil the noodles, layer, and bake.
- Comfort in every bite: That creamy, cheesy topping melting into the savory beef and tomato sauce? Pure nostalgia. It’s like your favorite childhood casserole grew up.
- Kid-approved magic: My picky eaters don’t just eat this – they ask for it. (Parenting win!) The flavors are familiar but satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef, pantry staples, and basic cheeses keep costs low. I’ve stretched one batch to feed six hungry people easily.
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. And isn’t that what we all want on busy nights?
Ingredients for Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters! This Hamburger Casserole comes together with simple, honest ingredients – nothing fussy, just good stuff that works together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (I use 80/20 lean-to-fat – that bit of fat equals big flavor!)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce (plain old tomato sauce, not marinara – trust me on this)
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (just a pinch to balance the tomatoes’ acidity)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp salt if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher, but table salt works fine – adjust to taste)
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles (those wide, curly ones hold up best)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat gives the creamiest result, but light works in a pinch)
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened (this is my secret weapon for ultra-creamy layers)
- 1 large white onion, finely diced (about 1 cup – yellow onion works too)
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or more – I won’t judge if you go heavy here!)
See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients that create magic together. Pro tip: Let that cream cheese sit out while you prep everything else – it’ll blend way easier when softened.
How to Make Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Hamburger Casserole comes together in simple layers – think lasagna’s easier cousin. Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, bubbly comfort food ready in no time:
- Brown that beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains – about 5-7 minutes. Drain off the excess grease (I tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop it out).
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and regular salt. Let this mixture bubble gently for about 20 minutes – this melds the flavors beautifully. Cover it and take it off the heat when done.
- Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to boil for your egg noodles. Cook them for 7-9 minutes – you want them al dente (slightly firm) since they’ll bake more later. Drain them well.
- Prep the creamy layer: In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, softened cream cheese (see? I told you to let it sit out!), and diced onion until smooth. This combo is what makes the casserole extra luscious.
- Layer it up: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now the fun part – spread half the noodles in the dish, dollop half the creamy mixture over them (don’t worry about perfect spreading), then half the beef sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Cheese it! Sprinkle that shredded Cheddar evenly over the top – be generous if you’re like me and believe more cheese is always better.
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, with little bubbles around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
See? Easy as pie – actually, easier than pie! The layering might look fussy, but it takes just minutes and makes every bite perfectly balanced. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking (if you can resist diving right in) so the layers set nicely.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and whip up this Hamburger Casserole tonight – your family will thank you (and so will your future self when you’re enjoying leftovers tomorrow). Don’t forget to snap a pic of that golden, cheesy goodness and tag us on Instagram @FrostyRecipes – we’d love to see your masterpiece! Happy cooking!
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Irresistible Hamburger Casserole Recipe in Just 30 Minutes
A hearty and comforting hamburger casserole recipe made with ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and creamy cheese toppings.
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease.
- Mix tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt into the beef. Simmer for 20 minutes. Cover and remove from heat.
- Boil egg noodles in salted water until firm, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix sour cream, cream cheese, and onion in a bowl.
- Layer half the noodles, half the sour cream mixture, and half the beef mixture in the dish. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake until cheese is melted and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Tips for the Best Hamburger Casserole Recipe
After making this Hamburger Casserole more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to wow every single time. Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Season as you go: Taste your beef mixture after simmering – sometimes those canned tomatoes need an extra pinch of sugar or salt. I often add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Noodle doneness is key: Undercook those egg noodles by 1-2 minutes! They’ll soak up sauce and finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
- Cheese perfection: For extra browning, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it – that golden crust appears fast!
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble everything (except final cheese topping) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add cheese and bake as directed – just add 5 extra minutes.
Little things make a big difference – like letting the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving so the layers hold together beautifully. Now go make some comfort food magic!
For those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner fix, try the comforting flavors in this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan—another classic family favorite that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes like your Hamburger Casserole.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about this Hamburger Casserole is how flexible it is! Here are some easy swaps and additions to make it your own:
- Switch the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist. Italian sausage adds a flavorful kick!
- Gluten-free option: Swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles – just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Veggie boost: Toss in diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach with the beef for extra nutrients. Frozen peas or corn work great too.
- Cheese swaps: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for the topping. Pepper jack adds a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Don’t be afraid to play around – this recipe is super forgiving and still delivers that cozy comfort we all crave.
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Casserole really shines when you pair it with simple, fresh sides to balance its rich comfort. My family loves it with:
- A crisp green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette – the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Warm garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce (my kids’ favorite move).
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli – something green for color and freshness.
Honestly? Sometimes we just eat big bowls of it straight-up – no shame in keeping things simple!
Storing and Reheating Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep! Here’s how to store it right:
- Fridge: Cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days – though in my house, it never lasts that long!
- Freezer: Wrap unbaked casserole (without cheese topping) in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as directed.
- Reheating: Microwave portions for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). Add a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight – so leftovers might taste even better than the first serving!
Hamburger Casserole Recipe FAQs
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about this Hamburger Casserole! Here are the ones that pop up most often – along with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use cottage cheese instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! I’ve done this many times when I’m out of sour cream. Just blend 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese until smooth (or leave it a bit chunky if you like texture). The flavor’s slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent soggy noodles?
Two tricks: First, undercook your noodles by 1-2 minutes (they’ll finish in the oven). Second, drain them really well – I let mine sit in the colander for a minute while shaking off excess water. Makes all the difference!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the beef first, then layer everything in the cooker (except cheese). Cook on LOW 3-4 hours. Add cheese at the end and let it melt. The texture’s softer but still tasty.
What if I don’t have egg noodles?
No problem! Penne, rotini, or even macaroni work fine. Just adjust the cooking time to match your pasta’s package directions. The wide egg noodles are my favorite for texture though.
Is it okay to skip the sugar?
Sure, but taste first! The sugar balances the tomatoes’ acidity. If you skip it, you might need an extra pinch of salt. Sometimes I use ¼ teaspoon instead if the sauce tastes sweet enough.
Nutritional Information for Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Now, I’m no nutritionist – just a mom trying to feed my family well – but here’s the scoop on what’s in this Hamburger Casserole. These are rough estimates since ingredients can vary (especially depending on how generous you are with that cheese!).
Each serving gives you a good balance of protein, carbs, and that comforting richness we all crave. The ground beef packs in protein, the noodles give energy-boosting carbs, and the dairy adds calcium. Sure, it’s not a salad – but that’s kind of the point, right? This is stick-to-your-ribs comfort food meant to be enjoyed.
Remember: Nutritional values are estimates and will change based on the specific ingredients you use and any tweaks you make. If you’re watching certain nutrients closely, definitely calculate based on your exact ingredients.
