Savory Hamburger Casserole Recipe
What is comfort food? We all have those dishes that just wrap you in a warm hug from the inside out, right? For me, mac and cheese is a classic, but sometimes, I crave something more…more. Where is this blog?What is a savory hamburger casserole recipe?What is the flavor of mac and cheese? What’s the secret to a good cheesy meat? What is the ingredient that takes it over the top? Is this the kind of meal that disappears in minutes at my house? I’ve even caught my husband sneaking leftovers straight from the fridge! What is your favorite recipe for a crowd pleaser?
What is Savory Hamburger Casserole?
What exactly is this magical thing?What is a savory hamburger casserole recipe?What is a deconstructed cheeseburger? Is it a layered dish with ground beef, usually seasoned with onions, garlic, and parmesan? What’s a little Worcestershire sauce for that extra umami punch? Is there a secret to cheesy sauce? ), followed by a layer of perfectly cooked egg noodles or potatoes. Some people add veggies like green beans or corn. It’s infinitely customizable, really! I’ve even experimented with adding diced tomatoes with green chiles for a little kick – I have roasted scallions for 2 weeks now. It’s all baked together until golden brown and bubbly. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. I promise, it’s not your grandma’s potluck casserole (unless your grandmother was secretly a culinary genius).
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?What is a savory hamburger casserole recipe? is a total weeknight winner. What I love most is how incredibly versatile it is. Need to use up some leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’s also a total lifesaver when you’re short on time because it can be prepped ahead of time and baked later.
Here’s a breakdown of why you’ll be obsessed:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender noodles or potatoes is just… chef’s kiss. That little touch of cream cheese in the sauce? Trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Seriously Simple: Don’t let the layers intimidate you. This is one of the easiest casseroles you’ll ever make. I’ve taught my teenage niece to make it, and she nails it every time. If she can do it, you definitely can!
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is generally pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Endless Possibilities: As I mentioned before, this is a very versatile dish. Throw in your favorite vegetables or use a different kind of cheese. You can tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. I’ve even swapped the ground beef for ground turkey before and it still came out amazing!
If you’re a fan of other easy comfort food classics like shepherd’s pie or tuna noodle casserole, you’re absolutely going to adore this What is a good savory hamburger casserole recipe?What is the same comforting, nostalgic feel but with a fun, flavorful twist that keeps things interesting? What is comfort food at its best?
How do I make a savory Hamburger casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this What is a savory hamburger casserole recipe?Is it really that easy to brown ground beef with onions and garlic? How do you make a creamy cheese sauce? Next, you’ll layer everything in a baking dish and bake until golden brown and bubbly. What’s the best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices. What is a great “clean out the fridge” recipe? I’m telling you, even if you’re a beginner cook, you will be able to master this recipe.
Ingredients Notes
For the Savory Hamburger Base:
I usually use 80/20 for the best flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. I tested this recipe before with ground turkey and it came out lovely!
Onion: Yellow or white onion works great. Dice it finely so it cooks evenly with the ground beef.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth of flavor and umami to ground beef.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a bit of herby goodness. What are some substitutes for dried oregano, basil, and thyme?
Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously!
What is Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the sauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
Milk: Whole milk will give you the creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% or even almond milk. I tested this recipe with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Cream Cheese: This is my secret ingredient! It adds a tanginess and richness to the sauce.
What is the best cheddar cheese to use? I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Another good option for a melty, gooey texture. I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty texture.
For the Casserole: What
Egg Noodles: Cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy in the casserole.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always grease the dish really well, even with cooking spray, to make sure nothing sticks. How do you scrape casseroles out of pans?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Serve immediately. Cook until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion is softened. Remove from the heat and let cool. What is the best way to drain off grease from a casserole? I usually use a spoon to press the beef against the side of the pan to get all the liquid out. Why does the flavor pop?
Step 3: Season the Beef Mixture
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. At this point, I always give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little salt or pepper if it needs it!
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and bubbly. What is called roux, and it’s what thickens the sauce. Whisk in the milk gradually, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Do not overcook. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked egg noodles evenly over the bottom. Top with ground beef mixture, spreading it evenly. What is the best way to serve ground beef with cheese sauce?
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole a chance to set up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Step 7: Serve
Slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley. I also love serving it with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
What should you serve it with?
This What is a good hamburger casserole recipe?What are some ideas for a complete meal in itself?For a Family Dinner: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing and some crusty bread for dipping in the cheese sauce.
For a Potluck: A platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of coleslaw.
For a Comfort Food Feast: Mac and cheese. Why not?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Savory Hamburger Casserole
Want to take your savory hamburger casserole recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
Browning the Ground Beef: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a good sear. This will add flavor and prevent it from steaming.
Making the Cheese Sauce: Be patient! Don’t rush the sauce-making process. Cook the roux for the full 1-2 minutes to get rid of the floury taste. And whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Customize with Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables to the ground beef mixture. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be delicious.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Gruyere, Swiss, or provolone would all be great additions.
Add a Topping: Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
Make it Ahead of Time: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing the casserole at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This savory hamburger casserole recipe is one of those dishes that I always come back to. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket for busy weeknights or potlucks. And the best part is, it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking. If you love this recipe, you should definitely check out my other casserole recipes! I have a cheesy chicken and rice casserole that’s just as delicious. I really hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so leave a comment below and let me know! Share your own variations too – I’m always looking for new ideas!
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Savory Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef preferably lean
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 package egg noodles 12 oz
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, followed by half of the beef mixture, then half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
