Hamburger Noodles
A hearty, cheesy casserole with tender noodles, savory beef, and creamy green onion sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large frying pan.
- Brown the ground beef, then add garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Cook the broad noodles and drain.
- Cut green onions into pieces and blend with sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Layer one-third of the noodles in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add one-third of the cheese mixture and one-third of the meat mixture on top, then repeat layers, ending with meat.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices such as Italian seasoning or chili powder in the meat mixture. If you're out of broad noodles, any pasta shape like elbow macaroni or even zoodles can work. To enhance creaminess, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese. For a slightly tangy flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a comforting main course that pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. For a fun twist, top each serving with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of salsa to add some heat. For more hearty flavors, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Noodles contains roughly 973 calories, with 26g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1661mg per serving (72% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used in place of ground beef. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially if using leaner meats which may cook faster.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for entertaining.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make Hamburger Noodles healthier, consider using whole grain or vegetable-based noodles. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing 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).