This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a winner! It combines juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese in one comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how everything cooks together in one pan. Less cleanup means more time for Netflix! You can even toss in some veggies for a pop of color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
Pasta: I love using egg noodles, but you can switch it up with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are al dente before baking!
Tomato Sauce: You can use marinara or your favorite pasta sauce. If you’re low on sauce, mix in a little diced tomatoes for extra flavor. For a fresh taste, you could also use crushed tomatoes with some spices.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors. A mix of cheeses can also give a delightful gooey texture.
How Do You Ensure the Pasta Cooks Perfectly in the Casserole?
To get the pasta just right, you have two options. First, you can cook the noodles according to package directions and add them to the beef mixture. If you’re adding them uncooked, you’ll need enough liquid in the dish, so they cook properly while baking.
- Use 1 cup of liquid (tomato sauce and broth) for every 8 oz of pasta.
- Make sure to stir everything well so that the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the dish for the first part of baking; this keeps moisture in and helps cook the pasta evenly.
Letting it rest after baking helps set the casserole, making it easier to scoop out. Trust me, these steps will lead to perfect pasta every time!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (hamburger)
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup (240ml) water or beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that cheesy topping nice and bubbly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the skillet, drain it out.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, water (or broth), salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer to let all the flavors combine beautifully.
5. Add the Noodles:
Once you have a simmer going, add the uncooked egg noodles into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are nicely submerged in the sauce. This is where they’ll soak up that tasty flavor!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly so everything cooks nicely.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cheese makes it extra delicious!
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil tightly and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the noodles to cook through.
9. Bake Uncovered:
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This helps the cheese get nice and golden brown.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Scoop it onto plates, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this cheesy hamburger delight!
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish that brings family and friends together with its savory and cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the meat you choose.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble it up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the ground beef. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften them before adding the rest of the ingredients.
