Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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Relive the comforting flavors of yesteryear with this old fashioned hamburger casserole.

This hearty and satisfying dish combines ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all topped with melty cheese, creating a deliciously nostalgic meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings simplicity and taste to your dining table.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups uncooked noodles (egg, macaroni, etc)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep (10 minutes):
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Brown the Beef (10 minutes):
    Meanwhile in a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Sauce Ingredients (5 minutes):
    Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook Noodles (10 minutes):
    While the sauce simmers, cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine Noodles and Creamy Layer (5 minutes):
    In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream and cottage cheese. Toss the cooked noodles in this mixture until they are well-coated.
  6. Assemble the Casserole (5 minutes):
    Spread half of the noodle mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then repeat the layers.
  7. Add Cheese and Bake (25 minutes):
    Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and Serve (5 minutes):
    Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.

Notes

This old fashioned hamburger casserole is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, homely cooking.

The layers of creamy noodles, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors that comfort the soul.

Serve this casserole with a side of green beans or a crisp salad to round out a wholesome meal that harkens back to simpler times.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Pair this with...

Creamed Spinach

Start by wilting fresh spinach in a heated pan; you'll be surprised how much it shrinks down! Once wilted, set it aside. In the same pan, melt a generous knob of butter and sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic until they're translucent and aromatic. Stir in a splash of heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly. Fold the wilted spinach back into this creamy mixture, ensuring it's coated and soaking up all that rich flavor. Season with a touch of salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of nutmeg for that classic touch. Once it's all beautifully melded together, serve it up!

Maple Glazed Green Beans

Begin by trimming your fresh green beans. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the beans until they're starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, toast some pine nuts just until they're golden, which will bring out their rich, buttery flavor. Once the green beans are nearly done, drizzle in pure maple syrup to give them a sweet glaze that complements their natural earthiness. Let the syrup caramelize slightly and coat the beans. Add in your toasted pine nuts, toss everything together, and season with a pinch of salt.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

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