Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Looking for a warm, hearty dish that’s easy to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser? This classic hamburger casserole is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping that melts to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping a make-ahead meal, this one-dish wonder is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
     Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the Beef:
     In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add Flavor:
     Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

  4. Prepare Creamy Layer:
     In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth.

  5. Assemble the Casserole:
     Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, half the soup mixture, and 1 cup of cheese. Repeat layers and top with the remaining cheese.

  6. Bake:
     Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  7. Serve:
     Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

  8. Tips:

     • Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef for extra veggies.

     • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for variety.

     • This casserole freezes beautifully—perfect for meal prep!

     Would you like a version with a breadcrumb topping or made gluten-free?