Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, you've come to the right place. This Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of savory beef, flavorful vegetables, gooey cheese, and tender pasta. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. With each bite, you’ll experience layers of texture and flavor that make it a must-try dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Read on to discover the full recipe and be sure to follow along for all the details to make your own delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole at home!

What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a baked dish that combines ground beef, tomato-based sauces, pasta, and cheese. It's similar to a hamburger helper dish but made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. The casserole is assembled in layers, much like a lasagna, and baked until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly perfection. This recipe gives you a satisfying meal that's ideal for feeding a family, meal prep, or even making ahead and freezing for those days when you just don't have time to cook from scratch.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this hearty casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef: The base of the dish that adds protein and flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: Contributes freshness and a slight crunch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory flavor.
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup: Provides a creamy tomato base.
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Adds richness and a robust tomato flavor.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
• 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): This gives the dish its filling bulk.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to give the dish its signature cheesiness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey cheese layer.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Gives the top a crispy, golden finish.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps crisp up the breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Substitutes: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Pasta Choices: While elbow macaroni and rotini are great options, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work well alongside cheddar and mozzarella.
• Vegetable Additions: Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Spices: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and potential variations in mind, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set it aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned and fully cooked through. Break it apart as it cooks so there are no large chunks.
4. Add the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Tomato Mixture: Stir in the condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (including the juices). Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine with Pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture until everything is well combined.
7. Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the cheese.
8. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
10. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the dish firm up a little and make it easier to cut into portions.

How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking this casserole involves layering flavors and textures. Here's a breakdown of each crucial step:

• Meat and Veggies: Browning the meat first locks in the flavor while softening the vegetables ensures they meld seamlessly into the dish.
• Sauce Creation: The combination of tomato soup, sauce, and diced tomatoes ensures the casserole stays moist while baking and adds tangy depth to the overall flavor.
• Cheese Layers: Adding cheese in layers throughout the casserole guarantees melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Breadcrumb Topping: This provides a crispy contrast to the soft pasta and beef mixture, adding texture and interest to the final dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: It’s important to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Skipping the Breadcrumbs: The crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture to the dish. Don’t skip it if you want that satisfying crunch.
3. Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving Hamburger Supreme Casserole, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some tips to make your dish shine:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
• Serve with a Salad: Pair the casserole with a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Bread on the Side: A crusty bread or garlic bread goes perfectly with this hearty casserole.

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Serve your casserole in large portions on dinner plates with a side of vegetables or salad. Because the casserole is already rich and filling, a lighter side dish like roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or steamed broccoli is a perfect match. You can also offer garlic bread or rolls to complete the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

If you're serving this dish for guests or want to elevate the presentation, try these ideas:

• Use Individual Casserole Dishes: Instead of one large dish, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: A handful of chopped parsley or basil on top of the finished dish adds a fresh pop of color.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the casserole in the middle of the table for guests to serve themselves, enhancing the cozy, communal feel of the meal.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freezing Tip: This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While elbow macaroni or rotini work great, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you prefer.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and reduce the amount of cheese.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What should I serve with this casserole?
A: A light side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining classic flavors in a filling and satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Whether you're making this casserole for a family dinner, potluck, or simply because you're craving comfort food, you’re sure to love the cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite. Be sure to follow the tips and variations to make it your own, and enjoy the savory deliciousness of this crowd-pleasing casserole!

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