Cheesy Hamburger Noodle Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Noodle Casserole is an all-time classic that’s perfect for families. Packed with savory beef, tender pasta, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Plus, it’s simple enough for even busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make!
Looking for more comforting recipes? Check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Garlic Shrimp, or this Crockpot Loaded Potatoes Soup.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting: This casserole combines all the best comfort food flavors in one dish.
- Quick and easy: Made with simple pantry staples, it’s a weeknight lifesaver.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy, beefy classic!
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
This recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Ground beef serves as the savory base, while pasta adds heartiness. To bring it all together, we use a creamy tomato-based sauce spiced just right and top it with generous layers of melty cheese.
Variations
- Turkey Swap: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish friendly for everyone.
- Extra Veggies: Sneak in nutrition by folding in spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large saute pan with high sides, place the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cooking over medium/low heat. Season with the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Chop the onion in small pieces and mince the garlic. Add the olive oil, onion and garlic to the beef and saute until onions turn soft. Add in the canned tomatoes and stir.
- Add in the cooked pasta, heavy cream and ½ c of the cheddar and mozzarella. Stir well to coat the pasta with the cheese and sauce.
- Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbles. Remove and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Expert Tips
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs add depth to the dish.
- Undercook the pasta slightly: It’ll absorb the sauce and finish cooking in the oven for perfect texture.
- Choose the right cheese: Mozzarella is a classic, but a mix of mozzarella and cheddar adds extra flavor.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this cheesy hamburger noodle casserole recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze it. When ready to cook, place it directly in the oven and bake slightly longer than the usual time.
Short-cut pasta like penne, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni works perfectly as they hold the sauce and cheese well.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! We would love to hear back from you! You can also FOLLOW US on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more delicious recipes.
📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Cheesy Hamburger Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- Garnish: fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large saute pan with high sides, place the ground beef and break apart and cook over medium/low heat.
- Season with the cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Chop the onion in small pieces and mince the garlic.
- Add the olive oil, onion and garlic to the beef and saute until onions turn soft.
- Add in the canned tomatoes and stir.
- Add in the cooked pasta, heavy cream and ½ c of the cheddar and mozzarella.
- Stir well to coat the pasta with the cheese and sauce.
- Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbles.
- Remove and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
