Aunt Clara'S Heavenly Hamburger
A hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy noodles, and rich tomato sauce, topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines savory flavors with cheesy goodness, making it a satisfying and versatile meal for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped green onions in a nonstick pan with margarine. Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, salt, sugar, and pepper. Simmer for 2 to 5 minutes.
- Cool and drain the noodles.
- Combine the cooked noodles with cream cheese and sour cream.
- Butter an 8 x 11-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the sauce in the dish, then add the noodle mixture, and top with the remaining sauce.
- Decorate with shredded Cheddar cheese and parsley, if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. You can also use any pasta shape you have on hand, though traditional egg noodles work best. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Braised Turnips or your favorite Sandwiches. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of red wine can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You may add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Clara'S Heavenly Hamburger contains roughly 1112 calories, with 35g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a creamy texture to the noodle mixture. Just ensure that the alternative you choose is spreadable for the best results.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until hot throughout.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).