Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe : 30-Minute Comfort Food Dinner

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Are you searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort? Look no further than this classic Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole. This hearty, comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy cheese layer that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re planning quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights or need lazy dinners that don’t compromise on taste, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Casserole

This ground meat recipe for dinner is the epitome of comfort food. It’s one of those easy meals with ground beef that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. The layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles create a texture and flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.

What makes this recipe stand out among dinner ideas with ground beef is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, customize the ingredients to your family’s preferences, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. It’s also an excellent dish to bring to potlucks or share with neighbors.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s ensure you have the right tools. For browning the ground beef, you’ll need quality frying pans that distribute heat evenly. A large pot is essential for boiling the egg noodles to perfection. You’ll also want mixing bowls for combining your creamy ingredients, a reliable cutting board and chef’s knives for dicing the onion, and measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient proportions. Finally, a properly calibrated oven ensures your casserole bakes to golden perfection.

Ingredients Breakdown

Meat Layer Ingredients

Noodle and Cheese Layer Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Heat your frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking
2. Add the ground beef and use kitchen utensils to break it into small crumbles as it cooks
3. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining
4. Carefully drain and discard the excess grease from the pan
5. Return the pan to the heat and stir in both cans of tomato sauce
6. Add the sugar, garlic salt, and regular salt using your measuring spoons
7. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
8. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm

Cooking the Noodles

1. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat
3. Add the egg noodles and stir immediately to prevent sticking
4. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite
5. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside

Creating the Cream Mixture

1. While the noodles cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Use your cutting board and chef’s knife to finely dice the white onion
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion
4. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well combined

Assembling the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray
2. Create the first layer by spreading half of the cooked egg noodles across the bottom
3. Spoon half of the sour cream mixture over the noodles and spread evenly
4. Pour half of the meat sauce over the cream layer
5. Repeat all layers once more: remaining noodles, cream mixture, then meat sauce
6. Finish by sprinkling the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly across the top

Baking to Perfection

1. Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven
2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and develops a golden-brown color
3. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Choose the right beef: An 80/20 ground beef blend provides the best flavor without being too greasy
• Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook them during boiling
• Room temperature ingredients: Let cream cheese and sour cream sit at room temperature for easier mixing
• Customize your cheese: Try a blend of Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for extra flavor
• Add vegetables: Sneak in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking, then cover and refrigerate

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. These ground chicken recipes variations are perfect for those seeking lighter alternatives.

What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream and cream cheese alternatives, and skip the Cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly and don’t oversalt, which can draw out moisture from the ingredients.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables work great mixed into the meat sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with roasted broccoli or green beans. The rich, creamy layers are complemented perfectly by something fresh and light on the side.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this hamburger casserole lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory meat sauce provides a rich base, while the creamy mixture adds luxurious smoothness. The egg noodles absorb all the delicious flavors while maintaining their tender texture, and the melted cheese on top adds that irresistible golden crust everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole represents everything we love about quick and easy dinner recipes. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that doesn’t taste healthy, making it perfect for picky eaters. The combination of affordable ingredients and simple preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it’s special enough for Sunday dinners.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time. It’s comfort food at its finest – warm, satisfying, and filled with memories of home-cooked meals. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why it’s been passed down through generations.

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Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe : 30-Minute Comfort Food Dinner

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This classic Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tender egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

• Author: Sara
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 55
• Total Time: 70
• Yield: 8
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce

1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste

1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles

1 cup sour cream

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 large white onion, finely diced

½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease.

2. Mix tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt into the ground beef; simmer until flavors blend, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover the skillet.

3. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain.

4. While the egg noodles are cooking, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

5. Mix sour cream, cream cheese, and onion together in a bowl.

6. Layer 1/2 of the egg noodles into the prepared casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the sour cream mixture, then 1/2 of the ground beef mixture. Repeat layers once more. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor.

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.