You’ll love hamburger noodle casserole because it’s incredibly satisfying, kid-friendly, and easy to prepare. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with seasoned beef and noodles makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also great for make-ahead meals or leftovers, and you can customize it with veggies or different cheeses to suit your taste. Classic, comforting, and nostalgic—this casserole hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Egg noodles (or other wide noodles)
Ground beef
Yellow onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce
Sour cream
Cream cheese (softened)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Olive oil or butter
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then add ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
Combine the cooked noodles with the sour cream mixture until coated.
Layer half the noodle mixture in the baking dish, then half the meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture.
Spicy Kick: Use a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a new flavor.
Tomato Cream Sauce: Stir a little heavy cream into the tomato sauce for extra richness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on tomato sauce and seasonings.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake covered in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
What noodles work best for hamburger casserole?
Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to use sour cream and cream cheese?
They add creaminess and tang, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or omit one if desired.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.
How do I make it less rich?
Use reduced-fat dairy products and lean ground beef to cut down on richness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before or after baking.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or peas are great additions.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread pair well with this dish.
Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, just reduce added seasonings as jarred sauces are already seasoned.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be heated through and the cheese on top fully melted and bubbling.
Conclusion
Hamburger noodle casserole is a classic comfort food that brings big flavor with minimal effort. With layers of creamy noodles, savory beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Easy to prepare, make ahead, or freeze, this casserole is a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Hamburger noodle casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, a creamy tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights or potlucks, this easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleasing classic.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz tomato sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
Combine cooked noodles with the sour cream mixture and stir to coat.
Layer half the noodle mixture in the prepared baking dish, followed by half the beef mixture, and a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef for extra veggies.Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavor.Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
