This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It combines ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta, all in one hearty dish. Yum!
You can’t beat how simple it is to whip up, especially on busy nights. Just cook, mix, and bake. I often catch my family going back for seconds (or thirds)! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wide Egg Noodles: These give a nice texture to the casserole. You can swap them out for other pasta types like rotini, penne, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist!
Ground Beef: While ground beef is the traditional choice, turkey or chicken can make it lighter. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or plant-based ground meat. Always a great way to mix it up!
Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness, but you can use white or even shallots. If you’re short on fresh, onion powder can work in a pinch!
Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor, but regular works too. If you need a fresh taste, substituting with chopped fresh tomatoes is a good call.
Cheddar Cheese: Honestly, I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You could mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Don’t forget to reserve a little for topping!
How Do I Ensure the Casserole is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a creamy casserole lies in balancing the ingredients well and ensuring the right cooking time. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Make sure to cook your noodles just until al dente. They’ll soften more once baked.
- Mix the cheese in when the meat sauce is still warm. This helps it melt into the sauce smoothly.
- Don’t skip the baking time! Baking it uncovered allows the cheese to get bubbly and slightly browned without turning the noodles mushy.
Take your time with these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy casserole everyone will love!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a perfect choice for a quick family dinner. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish. Fast and fulfilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it ready for when your casserole is assembled!
2. Cook the Noodles:
Boil a pot of water and cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside for later.
3. Brown the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, usually about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep it from becoming greasy!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Once the meat is ready, add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets all those flavors come together nicely!
5. Combine with Noodles and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the beef and tomato sauce mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the noodle and meat mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will give you that delicious gooey topping!
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
8. Serve Warm:
When it’s done baking, pull it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
This casserole is versatile and can be paired with a salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Whole Wheat Noodles or Gluten-Free Options?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles will add some extra fiber, and gluten-free pasta works great too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they’re cooked properly before mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using lean meat, as it may cook quicker!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or a little extra cheese while reheating!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge. Perfect for meal prep!
