Hamburger Divine Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender noodles, savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 large package small egg noodles ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground round beef ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste or 1 large tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- few drops Tabasco ⓘ
- pinch of oregano ⓘ
- 2 cups creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pint sour cream ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in margarine and set aside.
- Boil, drain, and rinse small egg noodles with cold water.
- Brown ground round beef in a skillet.
- Add tomato paste or tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and oregano to the beef and mix well.
- Combine sour cream and sautéed onions in a bowl.
- Add creamed cottage cheese and softened cream cheese to the sour cream mixture and stir until combined.
- Grease two 1-quart baking dishes or one 2-quart dish.
- Place 1/4 of the cooked noodles in each dish.
- Pour melted margarine over the noodles.
- Divide half of the cheese mixture with onions evenly over the noodles in each dish.
- Add remaining noodles on top of the cheese mixture in each dish.
- Top each with the meat mixture.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting ricotta cheese for creamed cottage cheese. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground round beef for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking. Don't forget to adjust the seasoning based on your personal taste, and feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting touch, consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top when serving. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, as it serves a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Divine Casserole contains roughly 635 calories, with 37g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), and calcium (146% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the egg noodles?
If you want a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles (zoodles) can also work for a low-carb alternative, but be cautious as they release moisture during baking.
Can I freeze Hamburger Divine Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).