Savory Hamburger Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

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

Layers of savory ground beef meld perfectly with creamy cheese and tender pasta.

Midwestern home cooks have long treasured this hearty dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Families adore how quickly this meal comes together after a busy day.

Pantry staples transform into a satisfying dinner that everyone around the table will devour.

Each bite promises warmth and nostalgia, transporting you to childhood kitchen memories.

Dig into this classic recipe and watch magic happen on your plate.

What Makes Hamburger Casserole Comforting

• Comfort Food Champion: Transforms classic hamburger ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal fast.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like mushrooms, different cheese blends, or spicy peppers to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates multiple pots and pans, reducing kitchen cleanup and streamlining the cooking process for maximum convenience and minimal mess.

Hamburger Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty meat that provides the main protein and flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Pasta: Creamy base that adds texture and bulk to the casserole, holds other ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, golden topping that adds richness and creates a delicious crispy layer.
• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor, provides subtle sweetness and complexity to the meat mixture.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creates a smooth, tangy base that helps bind the pasta and adds luxurious creaminess.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provides moisture, adds bright acidity, and helps create a rich sauce for the meat.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential for balancing and elevating the overall taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory undertones and complexity to the meat mixture.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and light herbal note to the dish.

Hamburger Casserole Oven Steps

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Cook The Meat Base

• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Garlic

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Build The Savory Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, then drain completely.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Pasta Layer

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Stir the cooked pasta into this smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

• Half of the pasta mixture
• Entire beef mixture
• Remaining pasta mixture
• Shredded cheese on top

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve this comforting dish hot and fresh.

Easy Tips for Hamburger Casserole

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove as much grease as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and enhance overall flavor.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells to add texture and visual interest to the dish.
• Mix different cheese types like mozzarella, cheddar, and monterey jack for a more complex and richer cheese flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat and want to elevate the flavor complexity.

Hamburger Casserole Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the meal for 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Hamburger Casserole Companion Foods

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the hamburger casserole. The wine's subtle tannins will balance the creamy cheese and savory beef perfectly.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of herbs for a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
• Serve Tangy Pickles: Offer dill pickle spears or a quick pickle side to provide a sharp, acidic element that brightens the casserole's deep flavors. The vinegary crunch will refresh the palate between bites of the creamy, cheesy dish.
• Recommend Crusty Bread: Slice a warm baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft casserole. The bread will help guests mop up every last bit of the flavorful beef mixture.

Hamburger Casserole In Different Toppings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, keeping all other seasoning and preparation steps consistent.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, omit sour cream, and choose non-dairy cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

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

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy pasta and meaty layers. The mild seasonings make it appealing to younger palates without being too spicy.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, opt for low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish beforehand and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake for 35-40 minutes to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger casserole, blending classic American flavors with simple home-style cooking. Savory ground beef, tender noodles, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced bell pepper (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato and Seasoning Components:

• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained (1 can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Pasta and Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) dry shell pasta (1/2 box)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to create a warm culinary environment at 350 degrees.
2. Transform ground beef into a savory base by sautéing with aromatic onions, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant garlic in a large skillet. Eliminate excess oil through careful draining.
3. Elevate the meat mixture by incorporating diced tomatoes, rich tomato paste, seasoning elements like salt, Italian herbs, ground pepper, and tangy Worcestershire sauce. Allow flavors to meld by simmering for a brief 5-minute window.
4. Prepare pasta separately, following package guidance, then thoroughly drain to prevent waterlogging.
5. Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking cream cheese and sour cream until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently fold cooked pasta into this luxurious mixture.
6. Construct the casserole in strategic layers within a 9×13 inch baking vessel: first, spread half the pasta blend, then distribute the robust beef mixture, cover with remaining pasta, and crown with a generous blanket of shredded cheeses.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Provide a final flourish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the dish moments before serving, adding visual appeal and herbaceous brightness.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked when mixing with cream cheese mixture to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg