Go Back
+ servings
baked casserole in plate with shredded cheese on top
Print

Hamburger Noodle Casserole

This is hands down the best Creamy Hamburger Noodle Casserole!  Cooked egg noodles are tossed with sour cream and cream cheese, layered with a flavorful meaty tomato sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. This recipe was inspired by an old church cookbook recipe dated nearly 40 years ago. Originally titled Beef A La Deutsch, it is a classic comfort food staple!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Simmer meat sauce 20 minutes/Bake time 30 minutes 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 471kcal
Author Anne Clark

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling noodles
  • strainer for the cooked noodles
  • large cast iron skillet with cover
  • large mixing bowl
  • measuring spoons
  • large casserole dish (instead of a cast iron skillet)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 16-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • In a large cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off the fat. Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Simmer covered on low heat for 20 minutes. Taste test the sauce and add additional salt if needed. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Boil and drain the egg noodles. Place the hot egg noodles in a large bowl and add the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix well. I like to cut the cream cheese into small squares first to help with the melting and mixing.
  • After the meat sauce has cooked, spoon most of it into another bowl, leaving a small layer at the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add half of the noodle mixture to the skillet.
  • Add half the ground beef mixture to the skillet.
  • Add half mozzarella cheese to the skillet.
  • Repeat with another layer of noodle mixture, beef mixture, and cheese. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Notes

TIPS:
  • Prep Time:  10 minutes to prepare and cook the ground beef.  20 minutes for the sauce to simmer.  30 minutes bake time.  Hint:  For a more flavorful sauce, simmer the meat sauce longer - up to 40 minutes.
  • The casserole can be made 1 day in advance.  Prepare as directed, and keep covered in the refrigerator.  Bake as directed. 
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Instead of a cast iron skillet, assemble the layers in a casserole dish or another oven-safe skillet, then bake as directed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz | Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 775mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 824IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 232mg | Iron: 3mg