Description
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
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
- 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.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Notes
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- 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.