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Hamburger Casserole
Baked with noodles, ground beef, seasonings, cheese, and vegetables, this Hamburger Casserole recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. Your family will love this one-pan comfort food casserole.
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Think of the perfect creamy, cheesy, easy dinner, and you’ll be thinking about Hamburger Casserole. Weeknight dinners just got better with this 30-minute meal that every family member is sure to love. One pan and some wholesome ingredients are all you need.
Hamburger Casserole Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 4 cups dry egg noodles, cooked
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 14-ounce can diced Italian style tomatoes
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ¼ cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
- Salt and black pepper
Substitutions and Additions
EGG NOODLES – Any type of small shell noodle or pasta will work well to hold the sauce in this casserole.
SAUCE – Use a jar of your favorite pasta sauce in place of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
CHEDDAR JACK CHEESE – Experiment with milder or creamier cheeses for a different take on this classic favorite.
PEAS AND CARROTS – Leave them out entirely or add your favorites for a different taste every time.
How to Make This Hamburger Casserole Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9×13 “ baking dish with cooking spray.
STEP TWO: In a large pot, prepare four cups of dry egg noodles to al dente according to package directions, then set aside once cooked.
PRO TIP: Cooking pasta until al dente allows it to absorb more liquid when added to the sauce without becoming mushy.
STEP THREE: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it is almost done, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
PRO TIP: Using a meat chopper/multi-tool is an easy way to break up ground meat while cooking. In a pinch, a potato masher can also work.
STEP FOUR: Add the onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook for about four minutes, then add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for one minute more.
STEP FIVE: Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet and cook together for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
STEP SIX: Put the egg noodles in the bottom of the greased baking dish, then pour the meat mixture on top. Add in the peas, carrots, corn, and half of the cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly.
STEP SEVEN: Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes in the oven, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
How To Serve
Pair this irresistibly delicious casserole with a favorite side salad and fresh crusty bread. Grate some extra cheese to use as a garnish or add some fresh parsley for color.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers can be covered and kept in the fridge for up to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: To freeze this hamburger casserole, be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Pasta dishes keep well in the freezer for 3-4 months. Be sure to label and date your container.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Completely thaw the casserole, then reheat in a 375 degree oven until piping hot.
Topped with gooey melted cheese, this weeknight favorite Hamburger Casserole fills your kitchen with delicious smells that will make everyone run to the kitchen for supper! The best part? It’s so easy, you won’t mind making it, and that’s important because your family will ask for it all the time.
FAQ:
Q: My ground beef is dry. How can I cook it so it’s more moist?
A: To keep ground beef moister when cooking, add about ½ a cup of water to the pan as you brown the meat. You can drain any excess using a colander afterward. You can also buy meat with more fat in it. You can drain the excess fat and rinse after its cooked if you prefer.
Q: Can I double this Hamburger Casserole recipe?
A: Yes, you can double the recipe for Hamburger Casserole. Just double the ingredients to make more. Use a larger casserole dish or divide your ingredients between two dishes. If using one large casserole dish, increase the cook time until heated through.
Q: Can I use other types of ground meat in this Hamburger Casserole?
A: Other meats like ground pork or chicken make great alternatives to the ground beef in this recipe.
Hamburger Casserole
Baked with noodles, ground beef, seasonings, cheese, and vegetables, this Hamburger Casserole recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. Your family will love this one-pan comfort food casserole.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry egg noodles cooked
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces can tomato sauce
- 14 ounces can diced Italian style tomatoes
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- ¼ cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese divided
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare egg noodles according to directions and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until it is almost done, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go.
- Add the onion and green pepper to the skillet and cook about 4 minutes, then add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook 1 minute more.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet and cook together for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Put the egg noodles in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the ground beef mixture on top. Add in the peas, carrots, corn, and half of the cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes in the oven, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
TIP: This recipe can be assembled ahead of time the night before and popped in the oven when you are ready to bake it.
TIP: Ground beef can be cooked ahead of time in larger batches and frozen until you need it. Add the ground beef where indicated and continue the recipe as written.
TIP: To test your pasta for al dente, take a bite of the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate it should be done. When you bite into it, and your teeth feel some resistance, but the pasta is still tender, your pasta is al dente.
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