This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is packed with ground beef, creamy cheese, and soft pasta—perfect for a cozy family meal or a quick weeknight dinner!
I love how all the flavors come together in one dish, with cheese bubbling on top. Plus, it’s so easy to make, I can even get help from my kids in the kitchen—fun for everyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg noodles: For this casserole, I love egg noodles for their texture. However, you can substitute with any small pasta like rotini or shells if you’re out of egg noodles. They both work well in holding the cheesy goodness.
Ground beef: I usually use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative. You could even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version!
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor in this casserole. But if you’re not a fan, feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also add a fun twist!
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These ingredients provide moisture and flavor. If you want to spice things up, try using diced tomatoes with green chilies instead. Alternatively, you can use tomato puree if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Cook the Beef Properly?
Cooking the ground beef may sound simple, but doing it right helps the flavor of the entire dish. Here’s how to ensure perfectly cooked beef:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef, so it browns nicely and doesn’t just steam.
- Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- It’s key to drain the fat after browning to keep the casserole from being greasy.
These steps will help you get a delicious base for your casserole and prevent it from becoming too oily!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes to bake, making it a quick 40-minute meal from start to finish! Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your casserole bakes evenly. Meanwhile, grab your 9×13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking later.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles:
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. They’ll absorb the flavors of the sauce later!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being oily.
4. Add Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step adds great flavor to your casserole!
5. Mix in the Tomato Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully!
6. Combine with Sour Cream:
If you want to make your casserole extra creamy, now’s the time to stir in the sour cream until it’s well mixed. This adds a delicious richness to the dish!
7. Mix Noodles with Beef Mixture:
In a large bowl, take the cooked egg noodles and combine them with the beef-tomato mixture until everything is evenly coated. Make sure all the noodles are enjoying the flavors!
8. Layer in the Casserole Dish:
Pour half of the noodle mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
9. Add Remaining Mixture and Cheese:
Top off with the remaining noodle mixture, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the other cup of cheddar cheese on top. This will create a mouthwatering cheesy topping when baked!
10. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost time to enjoy!
11. Serve:
After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Then, serve warm and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! It’s perfect served with a side salad or your favorite veggies.
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute them with other small pasta like rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve al dente texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for additional flavor and nutrition.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover the uncooked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge!
