Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this easy and delicious Hamburger Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines savory ground beef, tender noodles, and melty cheese, creating a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. Discover why this Hamburger Casserole is a must-try for those seeking a quick dinner solution, and learn how to make this classic dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green bell pepper, mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Include Vegetables (Optional): If you’re adding any additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, add them now and cook for a few minutes.
- Combine with Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Boil the Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles.
- Mix Noodles and Sour Cream: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked noodles with sour cream.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture, followed by the beef mixture, and then half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- You can add herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
- For a creamier texture, mix some cream cheese with the sour cream.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.