Hamburger Noodle Casserole

This cheesy beef noodle casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together with simple pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you use ground beef or venison, this baked pasta casserole is one of those old-fashioned family meals that never goes out of style.

If you love easy casserole recipes, be sure to try my Yellow Rice Casserole and Easy Chicken Pasta Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty, comforting dinner that the whole family will happily gather around the table for.

• Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe: This hearty hamburger casserole comes together with simple ingredients and is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick, satisfying family meal.
• Family Friendly Comfort Food: With creamy noodles, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, this cozy casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Budget Friendly Meal Idea: Made with affordable pantry staples and ground beef, this cheesy casserole is a delicious way to feed a hungry family without spending a fortune.

Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef Casserole

This cheesy ground beef casserole is a family-friendly dinner that makes a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s hearty comfort food that’s always a crowd pleaser. For measurements, please see the recipe card below.

• Beef or Venison– Ground beef or venison can be used for this recipe. Italian sausage, ground chicken, or turkey would make wonderful substitutions. 
• Onion– A white, yellow, or sweet onion- whatever you have in your refrigerator.
• Bell Pepper– A green pepper is what I used, but any color pepper will be fine.
• Minced Garlic– I like to use the minced garlic in the jar.
• Diced Tomatoes, undrained- Do not drain the tomatoes.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup– Adds creaminess to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, and Onion Powder– Seasonings I used. Add your favorites.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese– I like to shred my own cheese. The pre-shredded will also work.
• Elbow Noodles– Elbow macaroni is a classic choice. Egg noodles, spirals, and shells would be fine for this dish.
• Tomato Sauce, optional– If you like the extra tomatoes, add a 15 oz. can of tomato sauce for more juice and flavor. I usually add this to my recipe. It creates more sauce for the noodles to absorb.

Recipe Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Add More Vegetables: Throw in some sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach as the ground beef cooks.
• Swap the Cheese: Use some of your favorites, like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.

How To Make This Recipe

Hamburger casserole with noodles is an easy weeknight meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta. Cook the elbow noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Meat Mixture. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir until coated with the rich, creamy beef sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole. Pour the hamburger noodle mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, with the cheese melted and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for the Best Hamburger Casserole

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This freezer-friendly casserole can be frozen tightly covered for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.