This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish packed with ground beef, pasta, and lots of melty cheese. It’s a meal that answers all those “What’s for dinner?” questions!
Honestly, who can resist that combination of cheese and meat? I love serving it with a side salad for a little crunch—my family can’t get enough of it! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These noodles are perfect for holding the sauce and blending flavors. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead.
Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of fat and flavor. For a leaner choice, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken. Veggie crumbles or lentils work well for a meatless version.
Onion: Chopped onion adds depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it or use onion powder for a milder flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: This is the star of the show! I use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Layered?
Layering your casserole helps create that delicious mix of flavors. Here’s a way to achieve the best results:
- Start with half of the noodle mixture, ensuring an even spread.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly to create a cheesy middle layer that will melt beautifully.
- Top with the remaining noodle mixture and more cheese to seal in all the flavors.
Letting it cool briefly after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have a tasty, warm casserole ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them to be al dente, so they hold up nicely in the casserole. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside while you work on the beef mixture.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion (if you’re using it). Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. After that, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now, stir in the marinara or spaghetti sauce along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if you’d like), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can come together.
5. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with the beef sauce mixture until everything is evenly combined. This is where the magic happens—make sure every noodle gets a little bit of that saucy goodness!
6. Layer the Casserole:
Transfer half of the noodle and beef mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Then, layer the remaining noodle and beef mixture over the cheese and finish with the last cup of cheese on top.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit, making it easier to scoop out portions.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy hamburger casserole with your favorite sides or a simple salad! Your family is sure to love it!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option. Just cook it the same way, ensuring it’s fully browned before adding the sauce.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with veggie crumbles, lentils, or your favorite beans for protein. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce to keep it entirely meat-free!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy!
