Creamy Hamburger Noodle Casserole
The EatingWell Test Kitchen creates a lean ground beef casserole with whole-grain bulgur, egg noodles, and a creamy tomato sauce, topped with Cheddar. This healthier version of a classic skillet meal is lower in fat and calories.
The EatingWell Test Kitchen creates a lean ground beef casserole with whole-grain bulgur, egg noodles, and a creamy tomato sauce, topped with Cheddar. This healthier version of a classic skillet meal is lower in fat and calories.
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 bunches scallions trimmed
- 8 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1/2 cup bulgur (see ingredient note)
- 2 8- ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt divided
- 6 ounces no-yolk whole-wheat egg noodles
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- Carbohydrate 3.06313104175696 g
- Cholesterol 36.2012533533333 mg
- Fat 8.30230021276748 g
- Fiber 0.0561626318814428 g
- Protein 12.7672808522436 g
- Saturated Fat 3.49738623974361 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (137g)
- Sodium 255.133392922571 mg
- Sugar 3.00696840987551 g
- Trans Fat 0.9740211982418 g
- Calories 140 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Put a large pot of water on to boil.
- Separate white and green parts of scallions; thinly slice and reserve separately.
- Cook beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Wipe out the pan, add oil and reduce heat to medium-low. Add bulgur, garlic and the reserved scallion whites. Cook, stirring, until the scallions soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomato sauce, water and the beef; bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently until the bulgur is tender and the sauce is thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook noodles until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Puree cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl; fold in sour cream and the reserved scallion greens. Season with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Spread half the noodles in the prepared pan. Top with half the cottage cheese mixture and half the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining noodles, cottage cheese and sauce. Sprinkle Cheddar over the top.
- Bake the casserole until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Creamy Hamburger Noodle Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal for my family can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dishes, whipping up something from scratch often feels impossible. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of casseroles – they're the ultimate time-saver! This Creamy Hamburger Noodle Casserole is my go-to recipe when I need a comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy meal on the table quickly. It's flexible enough to adapt to what I have on hand, and it's always a crowd-pleaser, even with my picky eaters.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses readily available ingredients, and the cooking process is straightforward, even on a rushed weeknight. I love the combination of lean ground beef, providing a good source of protein, and whole-grain bulgur, adding a nutritious boost and hearty texture. The creamy tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful base. The addition of Cheddar cheese on top adds a delightful sharpness that balances the richness of the casserole perfectly. And let's not forget the egg noodles – they’re a classic comfort food element that the whole family enjoys.
One thing I’ve found particularly helpful is to prepare some elements ahead of time. I often mince the garlic and chop the scallions on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator. This reduces the weeknight prep time significantly. Similarly, I’ve experimented with using different types of cheese – Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheeses can work well, depending on my family's preferences. The key is to adapt it to what you have and what your family enjoys most. Sometimes, if I'm feeling extra ambitious, I’ll even make a double batch and freeze half for another busy weeknight. It reheats beautifully!
This recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, cleverly combined. It's a warm hug on a cold evening, a satisfying lunchbox staple, and a meal that consistently brings smiles to everyone's faces. It’s become a firm fixture in our weekly meal rotation, a testament to its deliciousness and convenience. The best part? Even my kids, who can be notoriously finicky eaters, devour this casserole without complaint. It's a recipe that delivers on taste, nutrition, and ease, making it a winner in my book. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will quickly become a family favorite in your home too!
Beyond the practical aspects, this casserole holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times, of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter with my family. The aroma of the baking casserole fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort, setting a welcoming tone for the evening. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a ritual, a connection, and a delicious way to end a busy day. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Tips for Success:
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and mince garlic in advance to save time during the week.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend.
- Make it ahead: Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats well and is perfect for lunch the next day.
