Hamburger Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Hamburger Casserole is the perfect choice. Packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a hearty dish that comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving classic home-cooked comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rotini pasta or pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 20 ounces condensed tomato soup (2 cans)
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack or mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste, plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, water, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, broil for 2–3 minutes.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted vegetables.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Meal Prep Tip: Cook the beef and pasta in advance, store them separately, and assemble the casserole just before baking to save time.

Variations

1. Tex-Mex Hamburger Casserole: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the beef and mix in black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips after baking.
2. Italian-Style Casserole: Swap tomato soup for marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, and use mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a lasagna-inspired flavor.
3. Creamy Hamburger Casserole: Stir in half a cup of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy texture that balances the tomato base.
4. Veggie-Loaded Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Great for sneaking in more vegetables.
5. Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
6. Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to make it lighter and keto-friendly.
7. BBQ Hamburger Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of barbecue sauce with the beef and pasta for a smoky-sweet flavor. Use smoked cheddar on top.
8. Breakfast Twist: Replace pasta with cooked hash browns or tater tots, and add scrambled eggs for a fun breakfast-for-dinner option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Hamburger Casserole after baking? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 350°F.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, elbow macaroni, or shells all work well.
4. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef? Yes, both are great lighter alternatives.
5. Can I use fresh tomato sauce instead of condensed soup? Yes, but reduce the added water to prevent it from becoming too runny.
6. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? Keep it covered with foil during the first part of baking and don’t overcook the pasta.
7. What cheeses work best in this recipe? Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack are all delicious options.
8. Can I add extra seasonings? Yes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika add more depth.
9. Is this casserole kid-friendly? Yes, kids love the cheesy and mild flavors, but you can tone down spices if needed.
10. What sides go best with Hamburger Casserole? A green salad, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even coleslaw pair nicely.

Hamburger Casserole is a timeless comfort food recipe that’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. With cheesy layers, hearty beef, and pasta, it’s a dish that makes weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, this casserole is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

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