Hearty 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a quick and satisfying 4-ingredient hamburger casserole can turn any weeknight dinner into a delightful experience.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet mouthwatering dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a few pantry staples create a hearty meal that fills hungry bellies.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.

Each forkful promises rich, savory flavors that comfort and nourish.

Layers of melted cheese and seasoned meat make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for anyone seeking a no-fuss meal.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite of this easy casserole that proves great food doesn’t need complicated ingredients.

Simple 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole That Delivers Big Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: This hamburger casserole comes together with just 4 ingredients, making it a super fast and simple meal for busy families.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty ground beef, this casserole delivers classic comfort food vibes that everyone loves.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup means you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Dinner: The cheesy, meaty combination creates a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will devour without complaints.

Essential Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Pasta: The hearty base that adds texture and makes the dish filling and satisfying.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Shredded Cheese: These ingredients create a creamy, smooth sauce that binds the casserole together and adds a comforting cheesy flavor.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent the casserole from sticking.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some delicious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Pasta Prep

Boil your pasta following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for the flavor party.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat.

Break it up into tasty crumbles and cook until it’s perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Mix It Up

• Cooked pasta
• Browned ground beef
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Shredded cheese

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looking super appetizing.

Step 5: Dish It Out

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and looking absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Pro Tips for a Perfect 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Every Time

• Add minced garlic or diced onions to the ground beef while browning for extra taste complexity.
• Drain pasta completely and pat dry to ensure the casserole doesn't become watery during baking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Use gluten-free pasta and low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to accommodate specific dietary needs.

Variations to Customize Your 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

• Low-Carb Zucchini Base: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a vegetable-packed, lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup to create a southwestern-style casserole.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, maintaining the protein content while creating a meat-free option.

Serving Suggestions to Pair with 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

• Family Feast Finale: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad topped with ranch dressing for a balanced meal that brings everyone to the table.
• Comfort Side Kick: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add a nutritious boost and some color to your plate.
• Bread Buddy Bonus: Complement the dish with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
• Zesty Topping Twist: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of freshness and brighten the overall flavor profile.

How to Store 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this hamburger casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese, making it an economical meal for families.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

This casserole is excellent for meal prep. It reheats well and can be made ahead of time, providing a convenient and quick meal during busy weekdays.

4-ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hamburger lovers will savor this 4-ingredient hamburger casserole that combines ground beef, pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce into a hearty midwestern comfort dish. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal you can prepare quickly for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Starch:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)

Dairy and Sauce:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain off excess grease completely.
4. Combine cooked pasta, browned beef, cream of mushroom soup, and most of the shredded cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixed ingredients into it, spreading evenly across the surface.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a uniform coverage.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
8. Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps ingredients settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Enhance protein by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Use gluten-free pasta and cream of mushroom soup for a celiac-friendly adaptation that doesn’t compromise taste.
• Prevent soggy casserole by draining pasta thoroughly and ensuring ground beef is well-drained to maintain a perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 472 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 668 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg