Looking for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner option? Our 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is the perfect solution. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a comforting meal that your family will love. Let's dive into the details and learn how to make this delightful dish.

What is Hamburger Casserole?
Hamburger Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, pasta, a flavorful tomato base, and gooey cheese into a satisfying, one-dish meal. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Perfect for those nights when you need a quick and tasty dinner option, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Casserole
- Pasta - 8 ounces
- Ground Beef - 1 pound
- Seasonings - salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
- Tomato Soup - 10 ounces, canned or homemade
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese - 8 to 10 ounces, divided
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Hamburger Casserole recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make this dish your own:
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or macaroni.
- Ground Meat: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Tomato Base: Replace the tomato soup with marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, or tomato paste mixed with a little water.
- Add-ins: Enhance the casserole with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Hamburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for extra flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it's browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, and tomato soup. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or butter. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it's just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked.
- Underseasoning the Meat: Season the ground beef generously to ensure the casserole is flavorful.
- Not Draining the Beef: Drain any excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Not Covering the Casserole: Cover the casserole with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Hamburger Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
How to Serve Hamburger Casserole
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Garnishes: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Condiments: Offer hot sauce, ketchup, or a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Casserole
- Plating: Serve the casserole in individual portions on a decorative plate for a more refined presentation.
- Family Style: Present the casserole in the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal.
- Layered Look: When assembling the casserole, create distinct layers for a visually appealing dish.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble and freeze it unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins and toppings to make this casserole uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand. Just make sure to cook it to al dente before adding it to the casserole.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken, use whole wheat pasta, and add more vegetables to the dish.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well in this casserole.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A: Cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking period to keep it moist, then remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown.
Conclusion
Our 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with substitutions and variations, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious flavors and convenience of this classic comfort food.
Print4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Rrcipe
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a simple and flavorful dish that combines pasta, ground beef, tomato soup, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is quick to prepare and sure to be a hit with the whole family. The key ingredients are cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, creamy tomato soup, and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
- 10 ounces tomato soup (canned or homemade)
- 8 to 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in tomato soup and cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta for this recipe.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and low-sodium tomato soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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