Rating: 3.65
(135)

Hamburger Casserole

January 13, 2025

Hamburger casserole is the ultimate comfort food – hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. This one-dish wonder brings together ground beef, savory vegetables, cheese, and pasta or rice, all baked to perfection in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, hamburger casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the type of meal that not only satisfies hunger but also delivers a delicious combination of textures and flavors that everyone can enjoy.

The base of hamburger casserole typically starts with ground beef, which is browned and seasoned to create a rich, savory foundation for the dish. The beef provides protein and flavor, while onions, garlic, and bell peppers are often sautéed with the meat to add depth and sweetness. You can also include vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to add more color and nutrition.

Next, a starch is added to the casserole – often pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne) or rice. Both options work well, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference. The pasta or rice soaks up the savory flavors from the beef and sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying. A creamy sauce made from a combination of cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, or beef broth ties everything together, ensuring the casserole is moist and rich.

Once everything is combined, shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top before baking. Cheese not only adds a creamy, melty layer but also a golden, bubbly crust that’s the hallmark of a perfect casserole. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well for added flavor and texture.

Bake the casserole until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden brown. The result is a deliciously comforting dish that’s both filling and flavorful, with a nice balance of savory beef, soft pasta or rice, and gooey cheese. Hamburger casserole is great for feeding a hungry family or for meal prepping, as it can easily be stored in the fridge and reheated throughout the week. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Hamburger Casserole
Hamburger Casserole
3.65 from 135 votes
This Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish made with layers of ground beef, pasta, and cheese baked to perfection.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef lean
  • 1 cup onion chopped
  • 2 cups pasta uncooked
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it is soft.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions, cooked pasta, and tomato sauce.
  • Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 30gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
Calories: 450kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Casserole, comfort food, ground beef
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar leslee.feil says:

    5 stars
    This casserole was a hit at our family dinner! Everyone loved it, especially the cheesy top. I added some mushrooms for extra flavor. Will definitely make it again!

  2. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why everyone loves this. It was super bland and kinda soggy. Maybe I did something wrong, but I followed the recipe. Not gonna make it again.

    1. User avatar grant.rippin55 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get what you mean. I found it a bit bland too! Maybe more spices would help next time.

  3. User avatar jacquelin.greenfelder0 says:

    3 stars
    Tasted good but took longer than expected to cook. Pasta turned kinda mushy.

  4. User avatar britney.vonrueden69 says:

    5 stars
    This is my go-to recipe! So simple and delicious. My kids love it!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights. My kids can’t get enough of it either!

    2. 3 stars
      Sounds good, but my kids are picky. Do you think it would work with chicken instead of beef? 🤔

  5. User avatar pia.gutkowski says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night—super comforting. The cheddar on top gets nice and bubbly, and the whole thing tastes way better than I expected for such basic ingredients. Will definitely make again!

  6. 2 stars
    Not a fan. The beef tasted weird to me. Maybe my sauce was off?

  7. User avatar diedra.osinski1996 says:

    4 stars
    Man, I forgot the onions! But it still turned out good. Who needs onions anyway???

  8. User avatar alanna.witting says:

    2 stars
    Looks easy but not sure about the combination of flavors. Maybe I’ll skip the cheese.

  9. 5 stars
    This was amazing! So easy to make and my kids loved it.

  10. User avatar alisa.tremblay1963 says:

    2 stars
    Tasty but way too much cheese! My heart can’t take this much. 🤢

    1. User avatar Charity Case says:

      4 stars
      I actually love cheese, the more the better! 😍 But I get what you mean about it being a bit much.

    2. User avatar lashaunda.renner says:

      3 stars
      Honestly, you could probably use less cheese. Ever tried mozzarella instead? Might be lighter!

  11. User avatar aubrey.bernier says:

    1 star
    Didn’t work out for me, the beef was too greasy after cooking. I won’t be making this again.

  12. User avatar Duncan Idaho says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, just okay. Not bad but I’ve had better. 😐

  13. User avatar rosendo.witting52 says:

    5 stars
    Never cooked pasta in casserole before! Love this! 5 stars for sure!

  14. User avatar Draugr Thrall says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner and the whole family devoured it! So good!

  15. User avatar nanette.stanton says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was a hit with my family! Super easy and delicious! 5 stars!

  16. User avatar jonathan.spencer2 says:

    2 stars
    Seems way too basic. Where’s the flavor?? Just meat and cheese. Meh.

    1. User avatar santiago.rath42 says:

      4 stars
      I actually love how simple it is! Sometimes you just need comfort food without a million spices. 🧀🍝

  17. User avatar basementDweller says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, didn’t enjoy it at all. The pasta got mushy and the flavor was off.

  18. User avatar del.gulgowski44 says:

    4 stars
    Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Trying to be healthier.

    1. User avatar rebbecca.fay19 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great healthier alternative. Just make sure to season it well since it can be a bit bland on its own.

  19. User avatar nathaniel.kris61 says:

    1 star
    Too much grease! I drained the beef but still greasy in the end. Will not make again.

    1. User avatar trey.blanda says:

      4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! I thought it would be less greasy too, maybe using ground turkey instead of beef would help next time. 🤔

    2. 2 stars
      Just use less meat! And next time maybe don’t drain it so much? Lol. It’s called hamburger casserole, not lettuce casserole!

  20. User avatar glen.friesen says:

    1 star
    You call this a casserole? 🙄 It’s just pasta and sauce. Meh.

3.65 from 135 votes
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