When the Depression hit, many families had to be creative in making meals for their family that were cheap and simple. Casseroles became a common way of making a one dish meal that tasted good, even with a lack of food stuffs. I personally like them because they are super easy to prepare.

Hamburger casserole is a delicious one dish meal that is simple to prepare and low in cost. It yields well to adaptation, so you can add or eliminate ingredients you don’t care for. I found one recipe that used chili sauce instead of soup. I haven’t tried it yet but it sounds like a yummy substitute.

If desired you can double this recipe and freeze one casserole for later use.

Hamburger Casserole
8 oz. egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can tomato soup
1 can mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/2 soup can of water
Salt and pepper
Sliced American cheese

Bake egg noodles according to box directions, cooking until they are al dente or almost cooked through. Butter a 2 quart baking dish and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.

Brown beef and onion in a large skillet and drain off fat. Add soup, shredded cheese, water, and noodles to beef and onions and mix well. Season with salt and pepper and pour into greased casserole dish. Freeze extra casserole at this point if you made more than one.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top with sliced American cheese; bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot with your favorite bread or vegetable.

To reheat a frozen hamburger casserole dish remove pan from freezer and let glass or stoneware pan come to room temperature. If you froze your casserole in aluminum then you don't have to let it come to room temperature. Doing this first will help porevent your cold glass or stone dish from shattering in the oven becuase of temperature extremes.

Cook in a 375°F oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until heated through. This can take longer or shorter depending on your oven. Top with sliced cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.