Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

If you enjoy easy, flavor-packed meals, this one checks every box. Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a delightful combination of comfort and convenience that delights everyone at the table. With its creamy layers of cheese, ground beef, and soft pasta, it’s a simple homemade dinner that the entire family will look forward to. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or an inviting dish for a potluck, this recipe will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

What sets this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole apart from other recipes is its comforting convenience. It takes minimal time to prepare but feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This casserole not only satisfies taste buds but also brings families together around the dinner table. The rich, cheesy goodness combined with the savory flavors of ground beef creates a mouthwatering experience that will make everyone come back for seconds. Affordable, delicious, and filled with nostalgic flavors, this is a recipe that deserves a spot in your rotation.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (use lean for a healthier option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (for creaminess; can substitute with cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added flavor)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Meat

2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Add Onions: Once the beef is almost cooked through, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

Mixing It All Together

4. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef and onion, cooked pasta, shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, frozen vegetables, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined.

Baking

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since they will bake further in the oven, cook them until just al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Use Leftover Vegetables: This is a great way to use up leftover veggies. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work well too.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, try a homemade cheese sauce or cream of chicken soup instead.
• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• For a Crunchy Topping: Top with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs before the last 10 minutes of baking for extra crunch.
• Common Mistake: Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as it can lead to mushy casserole. Just mix until combined.

Serving Suggestions

There are countless ways to customize and serve Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Here are some ideas:

• Best Ways to Serve: Pair with a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Easy Variations: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten it up.
• Simple Swaps: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten, or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does it last?

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Tips:

• To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions:

• Can you freeze it? Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Mini FAQ

Conclusion

Give this recipe a try, you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a favorite. Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings everyone together. With rich flavor and simple steps, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, it’s sure to impress! Enjoy creating this delightful comfort food that’s truly a family-approved meal!

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

A delightful combination of comfort and convenience with creamy layers of cheese, ground beef, and soft pasta that the entire family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean for a healthier option
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles Or pasta of your choice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild, depending on preference
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken
• 1 cup milk Whole or low-fat
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder Or fresh minced garlic
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Peas, carrots, or corn
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Optional for added flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparing the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Meat

1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Once the beef is almost cooked through, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

Mixing It All Together

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef and onion, cooked pasta, shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, frozen vegetables, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the noodles; they will bake further in the oven. You can use leftover vegetables or substitute cream of mushroom with homemade cheese sauce or cream of chicken. For added crunch, top with crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking.