Hamburger Cheese Bake Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses topped with Parmesan, perfect for satisfying family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 c. uncooked medium noodles ⓘ
- 1 c. cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is lightly browned and the onion is tender. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, garlic salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the cream-style cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, sliced green onion, chopped green pepper, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- In a casserole dish, layer some of the noodle mixture, then some of the meat sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles and meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like oregano or basil into the meat sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the amount of sour cream or cream cheese. This casserole is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger Cheese Bake Casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light tomato-based soup or even a refreshing coleslaw. For a comforting dinner, consider serving alongside Bonnie'S Special Meat Loaf or similar hearty dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Bake Casserole contains roughly 347 calories, with 17g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1614mg per serving (70% 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. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's still cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese makes a great substitute, providing a similar texture and richness. Additionally, you could use a mix of sour cream and cream cheese to maintain creaminess while altering the flavor slightly.
Can this dish be frozen?
Absolutely! To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, ensuring it's hot all the way through before serving.
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).