Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake

Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake turns inexpensive ramen noodles into a creamy ground beef casserole. It combines tender noodles, seasoned hamburger, cream cheese sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.

This recipe is rich, filling, and easy to prepare with basic grocery-store ingredients. It works well for busy weeknights when you want something warmer and more satisfying than plain ramen.

Quick Answer

Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake is made by combining partially cooked ramen with browned hamburger and a homemade cream cheese sauce. The mixture is placed in a casserole dish, covered with shredded cheese, and baked until hot and bubbly.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It turns inexpensive ramen into a full dinner.
• The cream cheese sauce is simple and rich.
• Ground beef makes the casserole filling.
• It uses familiar ingredients.
• The recipe can be customized with vegetables or different cheeses.

Ingredients

• 1 pound hamburger
• 4 packages ramen noodles
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Chopped green onions, optional

What to Do With the Ramen Seasoning Packets

Discard the seasoning packets or save them for another recipe. The cream cheese sauce and added seasonings provide enough flavor for this casserole.

How to Make Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Partially Cook the Ramen

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Discard the ramen seasoning packets. Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water.

Cook the noodles for about two minutes, or approximately one minute less than the package directions recommend.

Drain the ramen well and set it aside.

3. Cook the Hamburger

Place the hamburger and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook until the hamburger is browned and the onion is soft. Break the meat into small pieces while it cooks.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Drain excess grease from the skillet if needed.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet.

Add the softened cream cheese and milk. Stir slowly until the cream cheese begins to melt and the sauce becomes smooth.

Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese melts. Do not allow the sauce to boil.

5. Combine the Casserole

Add the drained ramen noodles to the skillet.

Gently toss the noodles with the hamburger and cream cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.

If the mixture appears too thick, stir in an additional splash of milk.

6. Assemble the Ramen Bake

Transfer the ramen mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes.

The casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese has completely melted.

For a lightly browned top, place the casserole under the broiler for one or two minutes. Watch it closely so the cheese does not burn.

8. Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes before serving.

Top with chopped green onions if desired.

Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List

Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake

No ratings yet

Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake A creamy ramen casserole made with hamburger, cream cheese sauce, and melted cheese. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 6 Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Method: Stovetop and Baking

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 pound hamburger
• 4 ramen noodles
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Green onions optional

Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9-by-13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spray or butter

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
4. Remove the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles.
5. Cook the ramen for about 2 minutes. The noodles should still be slightly firm.
6. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
7. Add the hamburger and chopped onion to a large skillet.
8. Cook over medium heat until the hamburger is browned and the onion is soft.
9. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
10. Drain extra grease from the skillet if needed.
11. Reduce the heat to low.
12. Add the butter, cream cheese, and milk.
13. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
14. Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
15. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
16. Stir until the cheese melts. Do not let the sauce boil.
17. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet.
18. Gently stir until the noodles are covered with the hamburger and cheese sauce.
19. Add a small splash of milk if the sauce looks too thick.
20. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
21. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
22. Bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes.
23. Remove the casserole when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
24. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
25. Top with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not fully cook the ramen before baking. Slightly firm noodles are less likely to become mushy.

Discard the ramen seasoning packets or save them for another recipe.

Keep the heat low while making the cream cheese sauce.

Add a little more milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

Storage

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Add a splash of milk before reheating because the noodles will absorb some of the sauce.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Allergy notice: Always check ingredient labels and avoid substitutions that may introduce allergens. This recipe has not been verified as allergen-free.

Tips for the Best Ramen Casserole

• Do not fully cook the ramen before baking.
• Drain the noodles well so the sauce does not become watery.
• Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the skillet.
• Keep the heat low while preparing the sauce.
• Add a small splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce can thicken.

Easy Recipe Variations

Add Broccoli

Stir two cups of lightly steamed broccoli into the casserole before baking.

Add Mushrooms

Cook sliced mushrooms with the hamburger and onion for extra flavor.

Make It Spicy

Add crushed red pepper, diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a few drops of hot sauce.

Use a Different Meat

Replace the hamburger with ground turkey, ground chicken, sausage, or chopped cooked chicken.

Add a Crispy Topping

Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the cheese before baking.

Use Different Cheese

Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby Jack, provolone, or a packaged Italian cheese blend.

What to Serve With Ramen Bake

• A simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted green beans
• Garlic bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh fruit

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

The noodles will continue absorbing the sauce while refrigerated. Add a small splash of milk before reheating to restore some of the creamy texture.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the casserole in a covered baking dish at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I use the ramen seasoning packets?

No. Discard the packets or save them for another recipe. The cream cheese sauce contains its own seasonings.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, although the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Cream cheese sauce thickens as it cooks and cools. Stir in milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day. Add a few tablespoons of milk before baking because the noodles will absorb some of the sauce.

Can I freeze Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake?

Freezing is not recommended. Cooked ramen can become overly soft after freezing and reheating.

Can I leave out the sour cream?

Yes. Replace the sour cream with additional cream cheese or a small amount of milk. The finished sauce may taste slightly different.

A Creamy Twist on Ramen

Cheesy White Sauce Ramen Bake transforms basic ramen into a warm and filling ground beef casserole.

The cream cheese sauce coats every noodle, while mozzarella and cheddar create a rich melted topping.

Serve it with a salad or simple vegetable for an easy family dinner that uses affordable ingredients.

• Crispy Ramen Egg Bake for Easy Cheap Meals
• Ramen Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Bowls
• Sweet Chili Chicken Ramen Bowls
• Cheesy White Bean Pizza Dip
• French Onion Beef Noodle Bake