Casserole For A Crowd(Hamburger-Noodle Bake)
A hearty casserole combining tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and savory tomato sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd at family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 16 oz. medium noodles ⓘ
- 3 (10 3/4 oz.) cans tomato soup ⓘ
- 4 cups American cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 12 oz. bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pimento ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped green pepper in batches until meat is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain well.
- Return cooked noodles to the kettle or large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the cooked meat mixture, tomato soup, shredded American cheese, chili sauce, chopped pimento, salt, chili powder, pepper, and 2 cups of water.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dishes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and try adding some Italian herbs for extra depth. This dish is reminiscent of other hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. For a flavorful twist, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top. It also complements crusty bread or garlic bread, making it a complete meal. For more hearty options, browse other beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserole For A Crowd(Hamburger-Noodle Bake) contains roughly 267 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 872mg per serving (38% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you don't have American cheese, you can use cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out hot, then it's ready to serve.
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).