There’s something about the smell of a bubbling casserole in the oven that feels like home. Hamburger Noodle Bake isn’t just another weeknight meal—it’s the kind of dish that wraps you in nostalgia with every bite. Tender egg noodles, rich and savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy topping come together in a way that feels both familiar and indulgent. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy day when comfort food calls, this Hamburger Noodle Bake is the answer, filling the kitchen with warmth and the kind of aroma that makes everyone ask, “What’s for dinner?”
I still remember the first time I made this casserole on my own. It wasn’t a fancy occasion—just a regular Tuesday when I wanted something hearty and satisfying. I pulled out my mom’s handwritten recipe card, smudged with years of use, and got to work. The scent of garlic and tomato sauce simmering reminded me of childhood dinners at the kitchen table, where seconds were always mandatory. By the time I pulled the dish out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had stumbled upon a forever favorite. Now, it’s the recipe I turn to when I want something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring people together.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Noodle Bake
There are countless reasons to love this recipe, also known as Ground Beef Noodle Casserole or Cheesy Hamburger Casserole:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a hit with little ones.
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap ingredients to fit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hamburger Noodle Bake
To make this Creamy Beef Noodle Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for extra texture
- Vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition
- Herbs and Spices: Italian seasoning, black pepper, or paprika for enhanced flavor
First-by-Stage Guide to Making Hamburger Noodle Bake
First: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and discard excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next: Cook the Noodles
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Then: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Afterward: Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top with half of the sour cream mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
- Add half of the ground beef mixture, followed by a light sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and ground beef.
- Finish with a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Finally: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese creates a creamier texture.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to make it more nutritious.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Freeze for Later: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
For more comforting family dinners, check out this Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe and Mini Meatloaf Recipe for variety in your weeknight menu.
FAQs About Hamburger Noodle Bake
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, rotini, penne, or fusilli work just as well.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: Pair it with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations of Hamburger Noodle Bake
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free sour cream.
- Meaty Twist: Add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
- Mexican-Inspired: Swap tomato sauce for salsa and add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
For a skillet meal bursting with flavor, you might also enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet, which combines hearty ingredients in one dish.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Noodle Bake
This dish is versatile and pairs well with:
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh touch.
Dietary and Lifestyle Adaptations
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy layers and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
- High-Protein: Use lean ground beef or turkey to boost protein content.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake when needed.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Noodle Bake is more than just a casserole; it’s a comforting dish that brings families together. The combination of tender noodles, savory beef, and melty cheese creates a meal that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please. Try it today and let the creamy, cheesy goodness speak for itself. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!
PrintHamburger Noodle Bake
This comforting Hamburger Noodle Bake combines tender egg noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy cheese topping baked to perfection. A nostalgic, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for extra texture
- Vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition
- Italian seasoning or mixed herbs for enhanced flavor
Instructions
First: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Next: Cook the Noodles
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Then: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Afterward: Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with half of the sour cream mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
- Add half of the ground beef mixture, followed by a light sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and ground beef.
- Finish with a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.
Finally: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For variations, try adding cooked vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Assemble the dish ahead of time and freeze for a convenient, make-ahead meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~507
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~915mg
- Fat: ~33g
- Saturated Fat: ~14g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Trans Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~23g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~31g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
Keywords: Hamburger Noodle Bake, Ground Beef Noodle Casserole, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, Beef and Noodle Bake, Comfort Food