This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the perfect comfort food! With ground beef, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s a meal that everyone will love.
You can whip this up in no time, and trust me, the smell as it bakes will have everyone gathered in the kitchen. Extra cheese on top? Yes, please! 🧀
I love serving this dish with a simple salad on the side. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll have leftovers for lunch too—score!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. Lean ground beef works best, but turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, crumbled tofu or lentils can substitute nicely!
Pasta: Egg noodles give a comforting texture, but feel free to use any medium pasta you have on hand—like fusilli or rotini. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work too for dietary needs.
Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice here. If you want a different flavor, try Monterey Jack or a cheese blend. For dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a great, lighter substitute. If you want to skip it entirely, don’t worry—it will still be delicious!
How to Ensure Your Casserole is Packed with Flavor?
Getting the flavors just right makes all the difference. Start with browning the beef well; it adds depth to your dish. If you’re using onions and garlic, cook them until they are soft and aromatic before adding the tomato sauce.
- Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat to deepen the flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer so it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds a rich umami taste!
Mixing the cooked pasta with the sauce before baking ensures every bite is full of flavor and cheesy goodness. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles or medium pasta (about 4 cups cooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the egg noodles or medium pasta according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, then drain them and set aside. You want them a bit firm, as they’ll cook more in the oven!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using onion and garlic for extra flavor, add them to the skillet now and cook until softened—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Mix in Cheese and Creaminess:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with sour cream or cream cheese (if you’re using it). This will make the filling nice and creamy!
7. Combine with Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the meat sauce mixture, stirring everything until well mixed.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
9. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
10. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to turn a lovely golden brown.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before diving in. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
This casserole is great for family dinners and is always a crowd pleaser. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQs About Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with ground beef!
Can I Substitute Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Just cook it according to the package instructions, and it should work just as well in this casserole. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook differently.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
