Creamy Hamburger Casserole
Creamy Hamburger Casserole combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection—an easy, comforting dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese; set aside.
- Combine cooked ground beef, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper. Microwave on High for 4 to 6 minutes until meat is done.
- Prepare uncooked noodles according to package instructions.
- Prepare vegetables for chopping.
- Mix vegetables and cooked meat together; set aside.
- Stir together tomato sauce, cooked noodles, meat, and vegetables.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until tender.
- Top with sliced tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, blend the softened cream cheese with the tomato sauce before mixing it with the noodles. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. Consider adding spices like garlic powder or paprika for additional flavor. If you have leftover roasted vegetables, feel free to toss those in as well for a nutritious boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy hamburger casserole with a side salad for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair wonderfully with this dish, making it a satisfying meal. For an added touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving, or even serve it with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 475 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1426mg per serving (62% 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 ahead of time. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?
Any type of pasta works well, but egg noodles or rotini are great choices as they hold the sauce nicely. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles as a substitute.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).