Hearty Hamburger Casserole: A Comforting Family Dinner Classic

Hearty Homestyle Hamburger Casserole

This delicious hamburger casserole brings together all the flavors of classic comfort food in one satisfying dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal that the whole family will love. With seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheese topping, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why This Hamburger Casserole Recipe Works

There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made ground beef casserole. This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef with the simplicity of pantry staples to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. The combination of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and gooey cheese creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the casserole bakes.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium pot for cooking noodles
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Hamburger Casserole Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make the Best Hamburger Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
3. Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. They should be slightly firm as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain well.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Pasta choices: Try rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni instead of egg noodles.
• Cheese varieties: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can add different flavor profiles.
• Veggies boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Casserole

Don’t overcook your pasta. Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, you want to boil them just until al dente or even slightly under. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.

Layer your cheese strategically. Mixing some into the casserole adds flavor throughout, while reserving some for the top creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.

Let it rest before serving. This allows the casserole to set up properly and makes for neater servings. Just 5 minutes will make a difference!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This hamburger casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

This casserole also freezes beautifully. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Casserole

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• A glass of red wine for the adults

Nutrition Information

507 calories |
23g carbs |
31g protein |
33g fat |
16g saturated fat |
134mg cholesterol |
975mg sodium |
3g fiber |
9g sugar

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

This hamburger casserole has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s affordable, adaptable, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy families, this comforting dish delivers homestyle flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at your table!

Recipe inspired by Grandma’s Ground Beef Casserole.