Hearty Hamburger Casserole Recipe: A Family Table Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger casserole recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest dinner cravings.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this dish brings together ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy sauce that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The hamburger casserole blends classic American comfort food with easy preparation techniques.

Every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that feeds hungry bellies and warms hearts.

Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that turns weeknight dinners into memorable family moments.

Hamburger Casserole That Hits the Spot

• Combine affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a delicious dish that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, trying different cheese blends, or experimenting with seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
• Deliver a cheesy, meaty casserole that even picky eaters will love, transforming mealtime into a stress-free, enjoyable experience for parents and children alike.

Key Ingredients in Hamburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
• Medium Shells: Pasta that creates a delightful base and catches the sauce perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creamy texture and golden-brown topping.

• Tomato Soup, Water: Creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef and casserole.

Steps to Make Hamburger Casserole at Home

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Space

Turn your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Base

Boil medium shell pasta according to package directions.

Drain completely and set aside, letting them rest while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Brown Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook until meat turns completely brown and no pink remains.

Break up meat chunks as it cooks for even browning.

Step 4: Create Casserole Foundation

• Cooked pasta
• Browned beef
• Tomato soup
• Water

Combine pasta, beef, and tomato soup in the baking dish.

Add a splash of water to create moisture.

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Sprinkle both cheeses evenly across the top of the casserole.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for cooking.

Step 6: Initial Baking Phase

Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and ingredients to heat through uniformly.

Step 7: Finish with Golden Topping

Remove foil and return casserole to the oven.

Bake an additional 10 minutes to help cheese melt completely.

For extra crispiness, broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the dish to settle and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for a Creamy, Cheesy Bake

• Ensure all water is removed to prevent a watery casserole, which can make your dish soggy and less appetizing.
• Add extra flavor by incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs while browning the meat for a more robust taste.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to create a unique flavor profile that suits your palate.
• Adjust the water amount based on your preference – less water for a thicker consistency, more for a saucier texture.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal prep easier and more convenient.

Store and Serve Hamburger Casserole with Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Frozen casserole preserves taste and texture perfectly.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing food safety and maintaining original deliciousness.

Side Dishes That Complement Hamburger Casserole

• Savor Hearty Red Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complements the rich beef and cheesy flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its bold tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Refresh with Crisp Lager: Select a cold, light-bodied American lager that balances the casserole's heavy textures, providing a clean and refreshing counterpoint to the meaty, cheesy dish.
• Elevate with Zesty Salad Side: Prepare a tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to introduce bright, acidic elements that contrast the casserole's warm, comforting profile and add nutritional balance.
• Match with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale that echoes the casserole's hearty character, offering subtle caramel undertones that enhance the beef and cheese without overwhelming the dish's core flavors.

Casserole Variants to Try Tonight

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Casserole: Replace medium shells with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to create a safe option for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Hamburger Bake: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto diet followers or individuals monitoring their carb intake.
• Vegetarian Protein Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the hearty texture while offering a meat-free alternative for vegetarian diners.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Dish: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for topping, and select non-dairy cream soup to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan preferences.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The simple ingredients like pasta, beef, and cheese make this casserole super appealing to children. Most kids love the combination of noodles, meat, and melted cheese, making it a perfect family dinner option.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, medium shells work great, but you can easily substitute with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the pasta size is similar so cooking times remain consistent.

• What ground beef percentage works best?

A lean ground beef like 80/20 or 85/15 is ideal. This provides enough fat for flavor without making the casserole too greasy. Avoid extremely lean meat as it might make the dish dry.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium tomato soup. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory hamburger casserole delights families with layers of ground beef, cheese, and hearty noodles. Comfort meets simplicity in this classic midwestern dish that brings warmth to dinner tables and smiles to hungry faces.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb medium shells
• 21.5 oz (610 grams) tomato soup

Cheese:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Cook medium shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain completely.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked.
4. Transfer the drained pasta to the prepared baking dish. Mix in the cooked ground beef, two cans of tomato soup, and optionally add a half cup of water for extra moisture.
5. Distribute cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the beef and pasta mixture.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to blend thoroughly.
7. Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to help the cheese melt completely.
8. For a golden, crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the dish to cool slightly and flavors to settle.

Notes

• Adjust pasta cooking time carefully to prevent mushiness, aiming for al dente texture which helps maintain casserole’s structural integrity.
• Consider low-fat ground beef or turkey alternatives for healthier protein options without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Test cheese variations such as sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to introduce unique depth and personalized culinary twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg