Hamburger Casserole

Posted on

Easy Dinner, Fall Recipes

Hamburger casserole is a timeless comfort food that combines hearty ingredients into a single, flavorful dish. It’s an easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The balance of savory beef, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese over tender macaroni creates a crowd-pleaser every time.

This dish has been cherished for generations, thanks to its versatility and simple preparation. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Best of all, hamburger casserole can be customized with different seasonings, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.

Looking for tips to make this recipe even easier? Check out this guide to casserole techniques for helpful tips on layering and baking. Pinterest also offers creative variations on hamburger casserole, like taco-inspired or low-carb options.

By the end of this article, you’ll have mastered a go-to comfort food recipe that’s not just convenient but also endlessly satisfying. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious dish!

Ingredients and Preparation

Gathering the Ingredients

To create the perfect hamburger casserole, you’ll need:

  • For the casserole:
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
    • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
    • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Each of these ingredients contributes to the casserole’s rich flavor and comforting texture. For instance, fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky sweetness, while the cheese topping creates a golden, bubbling crust. Feel free to experiment with substitutions—like ground turkey instead of beef or adding fresh herbs like basil.

Explore more ingredient combinations at Wikipedia’s page on macaroni dishes.

Preparation: Setting Up for Success

Before you begin cooking, organize your workspace to streamline the process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole will bake evenly without sticking.

Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cooking the elbow macaroni to an al dente texture is crucial—overcooking can lead to a mushy casserole. Follow the package directions, drain well, and set aside.

While the macaroni cooks, prepare the skillet. Use a large pan over medium-high heat to brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. For added depth of flavor, mix in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing them to bloom for about a minute.

Finally, stir in tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld the flavors before seasoning with salt and pepper. The combination of tangy tomatoes and aromatic garlic creates a robust sauce base that pairs perfectly with the pasta.

 

Assembling and Baking the Hamburger Casserole

Assembling the Perfect Layers

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the hamburger casserole. Proper layering is key to ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.

  1. Begin by combining the cooked macaroni with the tomato-beef mixture in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with the rich, savory sauce.
  2. Transfer the mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This blend of cheeses provides the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
  4. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta and beef layer. A generous cheese topping is essential for achieving the iconic bubbling, golden crust that makes casseroles irresistible.

Looking for alternative cheeses to experiment with? Explore Pinterest’s cheese pairing ideas for inspiration.

Baking for the Perfect Finish

Once the casserole is assembled, cover the dish tightly with foil. This initial step traps moisture and ensures the dish heats evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt fully and develop a lightly browned, bubbly texture.

For a crispier top, switch your oven to broil mode for 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. When the cheese turns a perfect golden brown, the casserole is ready to be removed from the oven.

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period ensures the layers set, making it easier to serve neat portions. For serving tips and portioning ideas, visit Wikipedia’s casserole serving guide.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

Creating a truly memorable hamburger casserole is about more than following a recipe—it’s about refining the details to suit your taste:

  • Season Smartly: Taste the sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
  • Customize Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to boost nutrition without compromising flavor.
  • Cheese Variety: Substitute mozzarella, Gouda, or pepper jack for the cheese topping to experiment with textures and flavors.

For more creative tips, explore Pinterest’s casserole hacks.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Hamburger casserole is ideal for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. To store:

  • In the Fridge: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • In the Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions, but note the texture may be slightly softer.

FAQs: Your Hamburger Casserole Questions Answered

  • Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
  • What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free? Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are gluten-free.
  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • What other meats can I use? Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes are excellent alternatives.
Print

Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory richness of ground beef, the zesty tang of tomato sauce, and the creamy goodness of melted cheese, all layered over tender macaroni. This easy-to-make, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prepping. With a customizable recipe that welcomes variations in protein, vegetables, and seasoning, hamburger casserole is as versatile as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re craving a traditional preparation or looking to explore creative twists like taco-inspired or low-carb versions, this casserole adapts to your preferences. Best of all, its one-dish simplicity makes cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones.

  • Author: Clara

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 6 oz turkey bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)
  • 6 oz chicken ham, chopped (optional)
  • 12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown.
  4. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking until the onion and bell pepper are soft, and the ground beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
  8. Spoon the beef and macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Notes

  • Customizability: This recipe is a base that can be adjusted with different proteins, cheeses, or vegetables. Experiment with flavors to make it your own.
  • Texture Tip: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole a day ahead for convenience. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to create a balanced meal.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. Swap regular cheese for dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating