Hamburger Casserole Recipe

This incredibly comforting Hamburger Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce for a dinner that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. With layers of flavor from aromatic vegetables, perfectly seasoned meat, and a blend of melty cheeses, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Ready in about an hour, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: The star protein that provides a hearty base. Lean beef works best to avoid excess grease, but any ground beef will do.
• Onion and Bell Pepper: These aromatics create a flavor foundation and add texture and nutrition to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth that powder simply can’t match, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and moisture to balance the richness. Make sure to drain them to prevent a watery casserole.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and adds richness without excessive liquid.
• Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend that adds herbal notes throughout the casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient adds savory umami depth that makes people wonder what makes it taste so good.
• Shell Pasta: The perfect shape to trap sauce in every bite. The ridges and hollow center hold sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a velvety, tangy base for the pasta layer. Room temperature is crucial for proper mixing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess that complements the richness of the meat.
• Butter: Enriches the pasta layer with silky richness that brings everything together.
• Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The cheddar brings flavor while the mozzarella provides that perfect stretchy cheese-pull we all love.

Variations

Different Proteins

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a flavor twist. For a meatless option, substitute a plant-based ground or extra vegetables.

Vegetable Boosters

Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or corn to boost nutrition. You can hide them well for picky eaters or showcase them for veggie lovers.

Pasta Options

Try different pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Each shape holds the sauce differently and changes the texture experience.

Flavor Directions

Take it southwest by using taco seasoning instead of Italian and adding corn and black beans. For an Italian-American twist, add pepperoni slices and use Italian cheese blend.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess fat, preserving the flavor while removing grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet with the remaining beef fat, sauté the onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds – any longer and it might burn, turning bitter.

Step 4: Create the Meat Sauce

Return the drained beef to the skillet and add the drained tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Then remove from heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta Layer

While your meat sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Immediately add the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of your creamy pasta mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers with remaining ingredients, then sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and bubbling at the edges. For an extra golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set so your casserole holds together better when served.

How to Serve

Main Event Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls make perfect vessels for sopping up any extra sauce.

Wine Pairing

A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the savory flavors without overwhelming them. For white wine lovers, a buttery Chardonnay works beautifully.

Family-Style Serving

Present the casserole right in its baking dish on a trivet in the center of the table for a communal, homestyle experience that encourages second helpings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they continue to meld together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power with a sprinkle of water to maintain moisture. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing

While the original recipe doesn’t recommend freezing due to the cream-based sauce, you can freeze the meat portion separately if meal prepping. The fully assembled casserole can be frozen before baking, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Casserole is comfort food at its finest – simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a trusted standby in your dinner rotation, perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners. The beauty lies in its simplicity and flexibility – master the basic version, then make it your own with personal touches. I hope this casserole brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine!

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