This Hamburger Noodle Casserole is one of those nostalgic, down-home meals that’s simple, hearty, and perfect for the whole family. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor. The creamy base and tender noodles paired with the savory ground beef and melted cheese will have everyone going back for seconds!
This recipe is a family favorite I got from my first mother-in-law, and it’s always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 package egg noodles (usually about 12 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can of water (use the empty soup can)
- 1 can cream-style corn (15 oz)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Shredded cheese (about 1-2 cups, your choice—cheddar works best, but mozzarella or a mix can be used)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and chopped bell pepper to the pan while the beef cooks. Sauté everything together until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain the excess grease from the beef mixture and set it aside.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles:
- While the beef is cooking, boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 7-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
3. Combine the Noodles with the Soups:
- In the pot with the drained noodles, add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and cream-style corn.
- Add one can of water (using the empty soup can). Stir everything together until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix in the Beef:
- Add the browned beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture to the noodle and soup mixture. Stir everything together to combine well.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray (like Pam).
- Transfer the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. This will allow everything to heat through and the flavors to meld.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil from the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips & Variations:
- Add More Veggies: If you like more veggies, you can add frozen peas, carrots, or even some spinach into the mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use Different Soups: You can mix and match the soups based on what you have in your pantry. For example, swap out the cream of mushroom for cream of celery or try adding cheddar cheese soup for an even cheesier casserole.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix in some mozzarella, Colby-jack, or Monterey Jack for different cheese profiles. Or even a blend of all three!
- Make it Spicy: For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in with the seasonings.
- Leftover Magic: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Q&A:
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
- A: Yes! If you want to make this ahead of time, assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can either bake it from frozen (just add an extra 15-20 minutes) or thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- A: While egg noodles work best for this recipe, you could substitute with other types of pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties. Just make sure to cook the pasta to al dente before mixing it with the soups.
Q: How can I make this dish lower in calories or healthier?
- A: You can swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to cut down on fat. For a lighter option, use low-fat or fat-free cream soups and opt for a reduced-fat cheese. Adding extra veggies can also boost the nutrition while keeping the flavors hearty.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Noodle Casserole:
- Quick & Easy: It’s one of those dishes that comes together quickly with minimal prep. You can have a delicious, hearty dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Comforting & Filling: The combination of creamy soups, tender noodles, and savory beef will satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a great meal for kids and adults alike, and you can easily scale up the recipe for larger families or gatherings.
This Hamburger Noodle Casserole is a family favorite, passed down and cherished for its simplicity and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just enjoying a warm, delicious dinner after a busy day. Enjoy every bite! 😊