Quick & Cozy Hamburger Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering hamburger casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef blend perfectly with creamy textures and hearty ingredients.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across each delectable bite.

Weeknight meals never looked so deliciously satisfying and simple.

Pantry staples come together in one magical dish that everyone will devour.

Quick preparation means you can have this crowd-pleasing meal ready in under an hour.

Dig into a casserole that promises warmth, flavor, and pure culinary happiness.

Hearty Hamburger Casserole Full of Comfort Flavors

• Whip Up a Hearty Meal: This hamburger casserole delivers pure comfort food with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and full.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef, change up the cheese, or add extra spices to make this versatile dish completely your own without complicated modifications.
• One-Pan Wonder: The recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup by combining ingredients in a single skillet before baking, saving you time and reducing the number of dishes to wash afterward.

Ingredients for Hearty Hamburger Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the casserole.

• Pasta, Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Adds texture, nutrition, and creates a complete meal in one dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings creamy, tangy flavors and creates a golden, melted topping for the casserole.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Diced Tomatoes, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that binds all ingredients together.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, crunchy texture to the casserole's surface.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the dish.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready to join the flavor party.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

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

• Ground beef
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown.

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften together.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Stir in the sauce ingredients to build layers of mouthwatering flavor.

• Diced tomatoes
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors mingle and get cozy.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked pasta to the skillet.

Give everything a good stir, ensuring each bite will be packed with deliciousness.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 7: Add the Crispy Topping

Combine grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs (if you’re using them) and scatter over the casserole, promising a crispy, crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a bubbly golden crown.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Pull out the steaming casserole and serve immediately.

Get ready for a comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Hamburger Casserole

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking in the casserole.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary needs.

Variations to Try with Hamburger Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly casserole that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut milk instead of regular milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without losing creamy goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Casserole

• Family Movie Night Feast: Serve this hearty casserole during a cozy movie marathon with the whole family gathered around.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that warms everyone's heart.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to neighborhood gatherings or community events where people love easy, delicious comfort food.
• Lunch Box Leftovers: Pack cold or gently reheated portions for next-day lunches, which taste just as amazing as the night before.

Storage Advice for Hamburger Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly in this casserole. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat pasta for more fiber.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate with classic American flavors. Cheesy layers of ground beef, pasta, and vegetables create a satisfying meal families will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

Pantry and Dairy Items:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender, then drain completely and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
4. Add onions and garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk, stirring to create a cohesive sauce.
6. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables and cooked pasta into the meat sauce, ensuring even distribution.
8. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole for a melty topping.
10. Combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then dust over the cheese layer for added crunch.
11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Customize veggies by using fresh seasonal options instead of frozen mixed vegetables for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Opt for lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey to reduce overall fat content and create a lighter version.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg