This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that everyone loves! It’s packed with ground beef, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese—what’s not to like?
I love making this casserole for busy weeknights. Just cook the ingredients, mix them up, and bake. Dinner is sorted, and the leftovers (if there are any) are even better! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re making it vegetarian, try crumbled tofu or tempeh spiced to your liking.
Egg Noodles: These noodles provide a nice texture, but you could swap them with any pasta you have on hand like rotini or penne. Gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative if you need it.
Onion: I like adding chopped onion for flavor, but it’s totally optional. If you want a sweeter taste, consider using shallots or omit it altogether if you’re not a fan.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is perfect for this casserole, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a different flavor. Vegan cheese works well too!
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Stays Creamy?
One main tip for a creamy casserole is ensuring you thoroughly mix the cooked noodles with the beef mixture and cheese. Here’s how to keep it creamy:
- Cook the noodles just until al dente; they’ll soak up some sauce while baking.
- If you want extra creaminess, stir in the milk before combining everything. This adds moisture.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first 10-15 minutes of baking to trap steam.
These steps can help achieve a hearty, creamy consistency that everyone will love! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for creamier texture)
Time Needed:
This delicious Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. In total, plan for around 35-40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake your casserole.
2. Cook the Noodles
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside.
3. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. If you’re using onion, toss it in with the beef. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and there’s no pink left, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your casserole from getting too greasy.
4. Mix in Sauce and Spices
Now, stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes. This will help combine all the flavors nicely!
5. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the beef mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. If you want it creamier, stir in the milk at this point. Mix everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
7. Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
8. Bake the Casserole
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.
9. Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to serve, and it’s the perfect time to get out your plates. Enjoy your warm, cheesy hamburger casserole!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure that the meat is cooked through.
Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for the egg noodles. There are several great options available that will work well in this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.
