Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring layers of tender egg noodles, a creamy onion and cream cheese mixture, and savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, this classic casserole combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Pasta
- 1 (8 ounce) package egg noodles
Creamy Layer
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
Topping
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease by tilting the pan and scooping it out, then set the beef aside.
- Simmer the sauce: In the same skillet, combine the cooked beef with tomato sauce, white sugar, garlic salt, and salt. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors. Cover and set aside once done.
- Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, being careful not to overcook as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the creamy layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and finely diced white onion. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a tangy, creamy layer for the casserole.
- Layer the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Begin by layering half of the cooked egg noodles at the bottom, then spread half of the sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles. Next, add half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef.
- Add the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the layered casserole. This will melt into a golden, gooey crust that completes the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning and a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set, making it easier to scoop and serve. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal with family or friends.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more garlic salt or white sugar if desired.
- For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat sour cream and cream cheese.
- If you prefer, substitute sharp cheddar with a cheese blend or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions in the creamy layer.
Keywords: hamburger casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, egg noodle casserole, comfort food, simple dinner recipe
