Delicious Hamburger Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Introduction

In the bustling world of home-cooked comfort foods, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as a hearty casserole. This Hamburger Casserole, as featured on Love With Recipes, offers an irresistible blend of savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, sweet corn, and tomatoes, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It’s a versatile, family-friendly dish that combines simplicity, rich flavors, and nutritional balance—making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner eager to master a flavorful casserole, this recipe provides step-by-step guidance to ensure every bite is a delight. The beauty lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its adaptability—feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels. Prepare to indulge in a classic comfort dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Needed Equipment

To craft this delectable Hamburger Casserole, you’ll need a selection of reliable kitchen tools and equipment that facilitate efficient cooking and baking. Ensuring you have all necessary utensils on hand will streamline the process and help achieve the best results.

• Oven: To preheat and bake the casserole, set to 350°F (175°C).
• Two-quart casserole dish: For assembling and baking the casserole. A glass or ceramic dish works well.
• Large skillet or frying pan: For browning the ground beef and onions. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution.
• Large pot: For boiling the egg noodles.
• Colander or strainer: To drain cooked noodles and canned ingredients.
• Cooking spoon or spatula: For stirring and combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients, especially seasonings.
• Knife and cutting board: For dicing the tomatoes and chopping onions.
• Can opener: To open canned tomatoes and corn.
• Cheese grater: To shred cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Serving utensils: Ladles or large spoons for serving.

Tags

Comfort Food, Family Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Budget-Friendly, Easy Recipes, Casseroles, Quick Dinner, Kid-Friendly, Make-Ahead, Freezer Meal

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous servings, perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or small gatherings. Each serving provides a balanced portion of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a satisfying main course.

Difficulty Level

This dish is rated as easy, suitable for cooks of all levels, including beginners. The steps are straightforward, with minimal advanced techniques required.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Gluten (egg noodles), Dairy (cheddar cheese), and potentially soy if canned tomatoes contain soy-based additives.
• Note: For gluten-free, substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, and ensure all canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is adaptable for various diets. It is naturally omnivorous, containing meat and dairy. For vegetarian modifications, replace ground beef with plant-based protein or vegetables. To make it vegan, omit cheese or substitute with vegan cheese options, and use plant-based noodles.

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a two-quart casserole dish thoroughly with butter, cooking spray, or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Having your baking dish ready before starting the cooking process streamlines assembly and helps maintain the integrity of the hot ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Onions and Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet reaches the right temperature, add diced onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break apart the meat into smaller pieces, ensuring even browning. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. During cooking, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt to enhance the flavor profile. Once cooked, drain excess fat if necessary, especially if using higher-fat beef, to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles

While the meat is browning, place a large pot of water on the stove over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the noodles during cooking. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook for about 6 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Do not overcook, as they will cook further in the oven. Drain the noodles thoroughly using a colander or strainer, and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients

Drain the entire can of whole tomatoes, then dice them into small chunks. Depending on your texture preference, you can crush them further with a spoon or leave larger pieces. Drain the can of white corn and set aside. These canned ingredients are rich in flavor, convenience, and nutrition, adding sweetness and texture to the casserole.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and sautéed onions with the drained and cooked noodles. Add the diced tomatoes and corn, then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly with a large spoon or spatula, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. This step is crucial for uniform flavor and consistency in each serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary, tasting the mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.

Step 6: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Pour the combined mixture into the prepared greased casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the dish. This creates a uniform layer that will bake evenly and develop a pleasing crust on top.

Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping

If you desire an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This addition enhances the flavor and provides a visually appealing golden-brown crust once baked.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. During baking, the cheese will melt and bubble, and the casserole will heat through. For a more browned top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve clean slices or portions.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Using a large spoon or spatula, serve generous portions onto plates. This dish pairs beautifully with simple side salads, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread, but it’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own. The combination of savory beef, tender noodles, sweet corn, and melted cheese creates a flavor symphony that will satisfy all ages.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing the right meat: Lean ground beef produces less grease, but a bit of fat adds flavor. If you prefer leaner options, opt for 90% lean beef and drain excess fat thoroughly.
• Seasoning: Feel free to add herbs such as oregano, basil, or a pinch of cumin for extra depth.
• Noodle texture: Slightly undercooking noodles ensures they don’t become mushy during baking.
• Can substitutions: Use fresh tomatoes and corn in summer for fresher flavors, or frozen corn and fresh tomatoes for a seasonal twist.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: Let the cooked casserole cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
• Flavor enhancement: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture for a smoky or spicy kick.
• Vegetarian variation: Replace ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils, seasoned similarly, for a vegetarian version.

Add-ons

• Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños for added heat
• Crumbled cooked bacon on top before baking for extra richness
• Additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini added to the mix

Side Dishes

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices
• Pickles and relish for a tangy contrast

Improvements

• Use homemade tomato sauce instead of canned tomatoes for a richer flavor
• Incorporate different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for more complexity
• Layer ingredients in the casserole for a layered effect—meat, noodles, cheese, repeat—for visual appeal and varied textures

Save and Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Always check for freshness and proper storage conditions to ensure food safety.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or preparing in advance for gatherings.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Fully assembled and cooled casseroles freeze well. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Keep in mind that texture may slightly change upon freezing and reheating.

Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?

Not traditionally, as egg noodles contain gluten. Swap with gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe accordingly. Always check canned ingredients for gluten content if you have sensitivities.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional content and flavor diversity.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Casserole stands out as an epitome of comfort food—rich, satisfying, and remarkably versatile. Its simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a go-to dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep sessions. The combination of juicy ground beef, tender noodles, sweet corn, and melted cheese creates a harmonious medley of flavors that appeal across age groups. With options to customize and adapt, this casserole can be a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. As always, Love With Recipes encourages you to tweak and enhance this foundational recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients. Embrace the process of cooking, and enjoy every hearty bite of this classic American dish.

References

• American Heart Association. (2020). Nutritional guidelines for comfort foods.
• Food Network. (2021). Classic casserole recipes and tips.