Tomato, Hamburger Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and melted cheese, topped with crunchy bread pieces—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Ground Beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion ⓘ
- 8 oz. Medium Noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. Sharp Cheese ⓘ
- 2 Cans Condensed Tomato Soup ⓘ
- 1 Cup Water ⓘ
- 1/3 Cup Chopped Green Pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 Cup Chili Sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Chopped Canned Pimiento ⓘ
- 3/4 Tsp. Salt ⓘ
- Dash Pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Cup Soft Bread Pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Combine cooked and drained noodles with the cooked meat and onions.
- Stir in sharp cheese, condensed tomato soup, water, chopped green pepper, chili sauce, chopped pimiento, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Combine bread pieces with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered bread pieces evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef. You can also incorporate vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Ensure the noodles are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Serve with a side salad for balance.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for a fulfilling meal. For a comforting twist, consider offering a side of Beefy Barbecue Beans or Chili Cheeseburger Pie to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato, Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 874 calories, with 10g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of condensed tomato soup?
If you don't have condensed tomato soup, you can use homemade tomato sauce or puree. To mimic the thickness and flavor of condensed soup, mix equal parts tomato sauce with a bit of water and add a teaspoon of sugar or an Italian seasoning blend.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).