Hamburger-Noodle Bake(Party Fare)
A hearty, cheesy casserole blending tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and flavorful vegetables, topped with melted American cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers rich flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to all ages, making it an ideal comfort food for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. medium noodles ⓘ
- 3 cans tomato soup ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped green pepper, half at a time, until the meat is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain well.
- Return noodles to the kettle or pot.
- Stir in the cooked meat mixture, tomato soup, shredded American cheese, chili sauce (if using), chopped pimiento, salt, chili pepper, and pepper.
- Add 2 cups of water and mix everything well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with soft bread crumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using lean ground beef or turkey. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can save you some effort. Adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning can elevate the dish. Serve with a side salad for a refreshing balance, or try pairing it with Midwest Baked Beans for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger-Noodle Bake is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Skillet Beef And Rice, which complements the flavors beautifully, or enjoy it with a side of corn for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger-Noodle Bake(Party Fare) contains roughly 606 calories, with 9g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (389% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Hamburger-Noodle Bake a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you prefer not to use tomato soup, you can substitute it with a homemade tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes mixed with a little sugar and seasoning. For a creamier texture, consider using a béchamel sauce or a combination of diced tomatoes and cream for a unique twist.
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).