Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole – Dive into the comforting embrace of this Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole. A perfect blend of hearty flavors. And wholesome ingredients. Featuring whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, and a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika. This dish is not just a meal. But an experience. Ideal for those chilly evenings. When comfort food is not just wanted. But needed.

The first time I made this casserole. It was a bit of a fluke. I wanted something hearty. Yet healthy for dinner. And began tossing together. What I had on hand. The result was magical! My husband. Always a bit skeptical about new dishes. Asked for seconds. And even my little one. Gobbled it up. Without a fuss. It’s since become a beloved staple in our family. Eagerly anticipated. Whenever I say it’s casserole night.

What makes this Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole truly special?

What sets this casserole apart? First, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Or use what’s in season. The whole wheat pasta. And lean meat. Make it a healthier option. Without sacrificing taste. The smoked paprika adds a unique, smoky flavor. That elevates the dish from ordinary. To extraordinary.

What You Need To Make This Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole Recipe?

Whole Wheat Pasta: Choosing whole wheat pasta. Adds a healthy touch. And keeps its texture well in the casserole. Absorbing flavors. Without getting soggy.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps cook the vegetables evenly. And adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Carrots, Onion, and Green Pepper: These vegetables form a flavorful base. Adding sweetness. And crunch to every bite.

Lean Ground Beef: 93% lean ground beef provides plenty of meaty flavor. With less fat. Keeping the dish hearty. But not heavy.

Smoked Paprika and Cumin: Smoked paprika adds a hint of smoke. While cumin brings a warm, earthy flavor. Enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt makes the casserole creamy and rich. Without the heaviness of cream. Adding a nice tang.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Panko Breadcrumbs: Sharp cheddar melts into delicious strings of cheese. And whole wheat panko provides a crunchy topping. Enriching the casserole’s texture. And taste.

Green Onions: A final sprinkle of green onions. Adds a burst of freshness. And color right before serving.

Steps To Make Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2 ½- to 3-quart casserole dish.

Step 2: Boil a pot of salted water, cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, drain, and toss with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 3: In a Dutch oven, heat the remaining oil. Sauté carrots, onion, and green pepper with salt and pepper until soft. Stir in garlic, hot sauce, paprika, and cumin, cooking until fragrant.

Step 4: Raise heat, add beef, breaking it up until browned and cooked through. Stir in broth, scraping the pan, then add tomato sauce and simmer.

Step 5: Off the heat, mix in pasta, yogurt, and half the cheese. Pour into the dish, top with remaining cheese, panko, and some green onions. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Rest the casserole briefly, then serve sprinkled with remaining green onions.

Tip:

Brown the Meat Perfectly. To maximize flavor. Make sure to brown the ground beef really well. Before adding the broth. And tomato sauce. Let the meat sear. Without stirring initially. Allowing it to develop a deep, caramelized crust. This Maillard reaction. Not only enriches the flavor of the beef. But also infuses. The entire casserole with a richer, meatier taste. This small step. Can make a big difference. In the depth of flavor in your dish!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance. Refrigerate. And bake when needed. Just add a few extra minutes. To the baking time.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt if I don’t have it?

Sour cream works wonderfully. As a substitute for Greek yogurt. In this recipe.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef. For a plant-based alternative. And use vegetable broth. Instead of beef broth.

Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole

This Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole is a cozy hug in a dish. Blending the heartiness of lean ground beef. With the wholesome goodness of whole wheat pasta. And vibrant veggies. All nestled under a golden blanket of melted cheddar. And crispy breadcrumbs. Each bite is a symphony of flavors. From the smoky whispers of paprika. To the tangy zest of Greek yogurt. Creating a comforting meal. That brings smiles. And warmth. To any dinner table. It's the kind of recipe. That turns a simple meal. Into a cherished memory. Perfect for family nights. Or when you just need a little extra comfort.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat elbow noodles or similar whole wheat pasta such as rotini fusilli, or egg noodles
• 2 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
• 3 medium carrots scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
• 1 green pepper cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 2 tsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 lb lean ground beef 93% lean recommended
• 1/4 c low sodium beef broth chicken broth, or water
• 1 8-oz can no salt added tomato sauce
• 7 oz 2% plain Greek yogurt about 3/4 c
• 1 1/2 c grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
• 1/4 c panko breadcrumbs use whole wheat if available
• 2 chopped green onions about 1/3 c, divided

Instructions

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 2 ½- to 3-quart casserole dish. With non-stick cooking spray.
• Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook the pasta. Until almost al dente. Drain and toss with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.
• Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the diced carrots, chopped onion, and diced green pepper with salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and brown. About 10 minutes.
• Add Spices and Beef: Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook. Breaking it up. Until browned. And cooked through.
• Combine Liquids: Add broth. And scrape the pan’s bottom. Stir in the tomato sauce. And bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Mix & Assemble: Stir the cooked pasta, Greek yogurt, and half of the cheddar cheese. Into the beef mixture. Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and half of the green onions.
• Bake: Place in the oven. And bake for 15 minutes. Until the cheese is melted. And bubbly.
• Broil & Serve: Switch to broil. And broil for 2-3 minutes. Until the breadcrumbs are golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving.

Notes

To adapt this Savory Hamburger Noodle Casserole for a gluten-free diet. Simply use gluten-free pasta. Such as those made from rice or corn. Substitute whole wheat panko. With gluten-free breadcrumbs available in most grocery stores. And ensure that your beef. Or chicken broth is certified gluten-free. These straightforward swaps. Allow you to enjoy the same rich, comforting flavors. And textures without the gluten. Ensuring the dish is safe. And delicious. For everyone at your table.