This old-fashioned hamburger casserole is the kind of comforting, hearty meal that families have been enjoying for generations. Packed with savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy layer of sour cream and cream cheese, it’s baked together into a warm and satisfying casserole that fills the kitchen with nostalgic aromas. Recipes like this became popular during the 1940s because they used simple pantry ingredients to create filling meals that could easily feed a family.
What makes this casserole so beloved is how adaptable it is. You can easily adjust the cheese or sour cream depending on what you have on hand, and it will still come out delicious every time. The layers of noodles, rich tomato-seasoned beef, and creamy filling create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, all topped with melted cheddar cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, and salt into the cooked beef. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain well.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and diced onion until smooth and well combined.
- Spread half of the cooked egg noodles evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the sour cream mixture, followed by half of the beef sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sour cream mixture, and beef sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.