This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and plenty of gooey cheese! It’s great for busy nights when you need something quick and filling.
Plus, it’s one of those meals where everyone goes back for seconds. Who can resist cheesy goodness? I love throwing in a few veggies for extra flavor—because we all need a little green on our plates! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this dish. If you’d like a healthier option, turkey or ground chicken can be used instead. I enjoy using a mix of turkey and beef for a lighter version!
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the star here, but you can substitute them with other pasta like rotini or penne. Just make sure the cooking time aligns with your pasta choice.
Cheddar Cheese: While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier cheese pull! I often use a blend of cheeses for more flavor.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds creaminess and tang. You can swap it with Greek yogurt or even omit it if you prefer a lighter casserole.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor is key in this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! Here’s how to get the most out of your ingredients:
- Start by cooking the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This creates a tasty base.
- When browning the ground beef, don’t rush it! Let it get nice and brown for better flavor.
- Let your sauce simmer to enhance the taste and merge the flavors together. Five minutes is ideal.
- Mix in half of the cheese into the beef sauce; it melts into the dish making each bite cheesy!
Following these tips will give you a casserole that everyone will love! Enjoy your time cooking!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and hot for when your casserole is ready to bake. Also, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking later.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. This step brings a lovely aroma to your kitchen!
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook it, stirring and breaking it into smaller pieces until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
5. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using sour cream, stir that in as well. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat, making the mixture creamy and delicious.
7. Mix with Noodles:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and the beef mixture, stirring until everything is evenly mixed. This is where the magic truly happens, with all those tasty ingredients coming together!
8. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the noodle and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Ensure every part of the dish is filled for consistent cooking.
9. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.
10. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell will be irresistible!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps it set up a bit for easier serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind it may cook a bit faster, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking!
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Using vegetable broth and a variety of spices will help enhance the flavors!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own! However, for a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread also pairs nicely for dipping in the cheesy goodness!
