This Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is made with ground beef, egg noodles, pasta sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, and plenty of cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, cheesy ground beef casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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This is our updated version of grandma’s old-fashioned hamburger casserole. We use jarred pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce or tomato soup, but keep the sour cream and cream cheese that make this classic hamburger casserole so creamy and comforting.
The main update we made to this classic hamburger casserole is swapping the tomato sauce or tomato soup for jarred pasta sauce. Since most pasta sauces already contain onion and seasonings, there’s no need to chop an onion or add a lot of extra ingredients. That’s especially handy if you’re cooking for picky eaters who don’t like pieces of onion.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts.
- Ground beef: I use lean ground beef. If using fattier ground beef, drain off the excess grease after browning.
- Noodles: I use eggless noodles, but you can use your favorite egg noodles or similar wide noodles.
- Pasta sauce: Use a sauce that isn’t too chunky or the casserole may be too dry.
- Sour cream: Full-fat or light sour cream both work great.
- Cream cheese: I typically use the ⅓ less fat variety, but full-fat works too.
- Cheese: I use sharp cheddar, but any good melting cheese will work. Pre-shredded cheese makes this recipe quick and easy, although freshly shredded cheese will melt a little more smoothly.
How to Make Hamburger Casserole
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente pasta.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain if necessary. Add the pasta sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese and cook until the cream cheese has melted. Add the cooked noodles and stir until everything is well combined.
- Top with shredded cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese is melted.
Note: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, cover the skillet with a lid and melt the cheese on the stovetop. Or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray, top with cheese, and place it under the broiler. Do not cover a plastic skillet handle with aluminum foil and place it under the broiler.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the ground beef for ground pork, turkey, or chicken.
- Use elbow macaroni or another short pasta instead of egg noodles.
- Add chopped onion or bell pepper when browning the ground beef.
- Add fresh garlic or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or your favorite melting cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
More Pasta Casserole Recipes
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Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 package pasta 12 onces
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 ounces
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta 2 minutes less than the shortest time specified on the package.1 package pasta
- Meanwhile brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, drain if not using lean ground beef.1 pound ground beef
- Add pasta sauce and stir until combined. Add sour cream and cream cheese and stir until combined. After the cream cheese has melted stir the pasta into the ground beef mixture.1 jar pasta sauce, 1 cup sour cream, 4 ounces cream cheese
- Top with shredded cheese and put under the broiler until the cheese melts.1 cup shredded cheese
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.