Hamburger Casserole
Hamburger casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender egg noodles, all baked to perfection. With the richness of tomato sauce and a hint of sweetness, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef, onion, and green pepper together.
- Salt to taste with garlic salt.
- Add tomato sauce, catsup, and sugar.
- Cook egg noodles as directed on package and drain.
- Put half of the noodles on bottom of casserole; add half of the meat mixture.
- Dice cream cheese on top of meat.
- Add the other half of noodles, and top with the last half of meat mixture.
- Cook in a 350° oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. If you're short on time, pre-cooked egg noodles can speed up the process. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a richer topping. You can also add canned mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger Casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Chowder for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, offer toppings like chopped green onions or shredded cheese for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions for a quick meal. This casserole also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 272 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute if I don't have cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute. Both will provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor, although the taste will be slightly different, it still works well in this dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the hamburger with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed and use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor.
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).