Okay, let’s talk weeknight dinners! I don’t know about you, but by Wednesday, I’m *done*. That’s when the thought of a cheesy casserole starts sounding REAL good. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good casserole, right? Especially one that’s quick, easy, and totally satisfying? That’s where this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake comes in, my friends!
Growing up, Mom made this casserole ALL the time. Seriously, it was a staple. I remember fighting over the corner pieces ’cause they were extra crispy and cheesy. She always said it was her “secret weapon” for getting dinner on the table fast – and getting us to actually EAT our dinner! It’s one of those meals that just feels like home, you know? And now, I make it for my own family, and they gobble it up just as fast. I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years, but the heart of it is still pure, cheesy comfort. Trust me, you NEED this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Okay, so why should you try this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake? Let me tell you, it’s a lifesaver! Here’s the lowdown:
- Super quick to throw together – we’re talking minimal effort here!
- Kids LOVE it. Seriously, even the picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- It’s budget-friendly. Ground beef is your friend!
- Crazy customizable. Throw in whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Tastes like a warm hug. Pure comfort food, people!
Quick and Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Seriously, if you need a dinner that’s ready in a flash, this is IT. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
A Comfort Food Classic: Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake? It’s like a warm blanket on a cold day. Total comfort food bliss!
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake:
- 1 pound ground beef (the star of the show!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds a little zing!)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (for a bit of crunch and color!)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (the creamy binder!)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, *undrained* (yep, dump the whole thing in!)
- 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked according to package directions (don’t overcook ’em!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, listen up! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
Preparing the Meat Mixture for the Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) – get that party started! Now, grab a big skillet and brown your ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a soggy casserole! Next, toss in your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook ’em until they’re nice and soft, about 5 minutes or so.
Combining Ingredients for the Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Alright, time to get creamy! Stir in that can of cream of mushroom soup and the diced tomatoes and green chilies (remember, *undrained*!). Season with salt and pepper – give it a good pinch! Now, add your cooked egg noodles and one cup of that glorious cheddar cheese. Mix it all up real good until everything’s combined and cheesy. Yum!
Baking Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake to Perfection
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a little grease – don’t want the casserole sticking! Pour your mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Now, for the best part: sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving – trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Want to take your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake to the next level? You got it! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years. First off, don’t overcook those noodles! Mushy noodles are a casserole’s worst nightmare. Also, spring for some good quality cheddar – it makes a HUGE difference. And lastly, resist the urge to dive in right away! Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking helps everything set up and makes it easier to serve. Trust me!
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Cheddar’s my go-to, but hey, you do you! Monterey Jack is melty and mild, or how about some Colby for extra creaminess? A little bit of a sharp cheddar really kicks things up, too. Experiment and see what you like!
Avoiding a Soggy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Nobody likes a soggy casserole! Make sure you drain that ground beef really well. Also, using *undrained* diced tomatoes is key for flavor, but don’t add any extra liquid. And definitely don’t overcook those noodles – they’ll release extra starch and get mushy.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake down. Now it’s time to get a little crazy! This recipe is SO easy to adapt. Wanna switch up the meat? Go for it! Veggies? Load ’em in! Spices? Let’s get spicy! Cheese? Oh, the possibilities! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing…
Adding Vegetables to Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Seriously, raid your fridge! Corn and peas are classics, but how about some broccoli florets or sliced carrots? Sliced mushrooms add a nice earthy touch, too. Just toss ’em in with the onions and peppers!
Spice Up Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A little chili powder or smoked paprika can add some serious depth of flavor, too. My favorite? A sprinkle of garlic powder – yum!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Okay, so you’ve got your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake, hot and bubbly from the oven. Now what? Well, honestly, it’s pretty darn delicious on its own! But if you want to make it a *real* meal, here are a few ideas. A simple side salad is always a winner – something fresh and crisp to balance out the richness of the casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are great, too. And honestly, who can resist a slice of garlic bread or a warm, crusty roll to soak up all that cheesy goodness?
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is just as good (or maybe even better!) the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works great. But for the best results, I like to bake it in the oven for a few minutes – it gets that cheese all melty and bubbly again! Just add a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little dry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got a burning question, just ask in the comments!
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake ahead of time?
You betcha! Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake?
Yep! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for a couple of months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. You might need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
What can I substitute for egg noodles in Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake?
No egg noodles? No problem! Rotini, penne, or even macaroni will work just fine! Just make sure they’re cooked al dente so they don’t get mushy in the casserole.
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Okay, a quick note about the nutritional info: it’s tricky to be exact since ingredients and brands vary. So, just a heads up that any nutrition information is an estimate and not set in stone!
Enjoy Your Delicious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake!
Alright, that’s it! Now go make this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake and prepare to be amazed! Seriously, it’s gonna be a hit. And hey, if you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends – sharing is caring!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake: Try it
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked egg noodles and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to the skillet. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as corn or peas.
- For a spicier casserole, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
