Creamy Hamburger and Noodle Bake
This creamy and comforting Hamburger and Noodle Bake is the perfect family-friendly dinner that combines hearty ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a weeknight favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously filling meal that everyone will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine the sauce mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well incorporated.
- Add noodles: Add the drained noodles to the beef mixture and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy and cheesy casserole hot!
Serving Tips:
- Pair with a side salad: Serve with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
- Top with fresh herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving.
- Serve with garlic bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls would complement this dish beautifully.
Variations:
- Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms into the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy version: For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Different cheeses: Swap out cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy ranch: For an extra creamy and tangy twist, you can substitute sour cream with ranch dressing or add a packet of ranch seasoning to the beef mixture.
20 FAQ About Creamy Hamburger and Noodle Bake:
-
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. -
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. -
What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
You can use lean ground beef (90% lean) or a fattier ground beef, depending on your preference. Just remember to drain the excess fat after browning. -
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta such as penne, rotini, or shell pasta would work. Just cook it according to the package instructions. -
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom?
Absolutely! If you don’t like mushrooms, cream of chicken soup is a great alternative. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. -
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese of your choice. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the beef mixture. -
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or meatless crumbles. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and make sure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. -
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, brown the beef in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until bubbly. -
What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a great side dish. -
Can I use a different kind of noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli. -
How can I make this spicier?
Add hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. -
How do I know when it’s done baking?
When the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, it’s ready. -
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free sour cream to reduce the fat content. -
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese are good substitutes for sour cream. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese substitutes. -
How do I make it more flavorful?
Add garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for added depth of flavor. -
How can I make this a one-pan meal?
Brown the beef and onions in a large oven-safe skillet, then add the noodles, soup, and cheese directly to the skillet and bake.
20 Best Tips for Making Creamy Hamburger and Noodle Bake:
- Drain the beef well: Always drain excess grease from the beef to prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
- Use al dente noodles: Under-cook the noodles slightly when boiling them, as they will continue to cook while baking.
- Add garlic for extra flavor: Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can cause the cheese to become hard and dry. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Experiment with spices: Add Italian seasoning, paprika, or thyme for added flavor.
- Use full-fat ingredients for creaminess: Full-fat sour cream and cheese will make the dish extra creamy and flavorful.
- Be generous with the cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese, as it adds a lot of flavor and creaminess.
- Consider a crunchy topping: For added texture, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Use a deep baking dish: Ensure you have enough space for all the ingredients by using a deep dish for baking.
- Incorporate protein-packed ingredients: Add beans or lentils to make the dish heartier.
- Mix the sauce thoroughly: Ensure all the noodles and beef are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Consider adding a bit of mustard: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard can brighten the dish.
- Use low-sodium soup: For a healthier version, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup.
- Add a touch of cream: For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture.
- Test the noodles before baking: They should be tender but not mushy when mixed with the beef.
- Let the casserole sit before serving: Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Try different meats: Ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage can be used as a substitute for beef.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme make great garnishes to brighten the dish.
- Adjust the creaminess: Add more or less sour cream depending on how creamy you want the bake to be.
- Add a splash of broth: If the casserole looks too thick, you can add a splash of beef or chicken broth to loosen it up.
This creamy Hamburger and Noodle Bake is an easy, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, it’s a dish everyone will love!
