Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

This cheesy hamburger casserole combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all topped with melted cheddar for the ultimate comfort food dinner. It's become my go-to recipe when I need something satisfying that the whole family will devour without complaints.

I first made this casserole when my sister and her family visited unexpectedly during a holiday weekend. With just pantry staples and ground beef from the freezer, I created what has now become our most requested family dinner. My nephew even asked for the recipe to take to college with him.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base. Choose 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor without excessive grease
• Onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor. Yellow or white onions work perfectly here
• Cooked pasta: Holds everything together. I prefer medium shells or rotini as they catch more sauce
• Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and brightness. Fire-roasted adds extra depth if available
• Cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy binding sauce without extra work. The store brand works just as well as name brands
• Cheddar cheese: Forms that irresistible golden top. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
• Garlic powder: Infuses savory notes throughout. Fresh minced garlic works too if you prefer
• Italian seasoning: Adds herbal complexity with just one ingredient. Make sure yours is fresh and aromatic
• Salt and pepper: To your taste preferences. Start with less and adjust as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole. This ensures even cooking throughout. Position the rack in the middle of the oven for ideal heat distribution.

Brown The Meat Mixture:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat until you can feel warmth hovering your hand above it. Add the ground beef and break it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. When the meat begins to release fat add the chopped onion and continue cooking. Stir frequently until the beef shows no pink and the onions have softened and become translucent about 8 minutes total.

Create The Sauce:

Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet by tilting it while holding back the meat with the lid or a slotted spoon. Return to heat and add the diced tomatoes with their juice the cream of mushroom soup and all seasonings. Stir thoroughly to combine ensuring no dry spots of seasoning remain. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes allowing the flavors to blend.

Combine With Pasta:

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and fold it gently into the meat sauce. Be thorough but gentle to avoid breaking the pasta. Every piece should be coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water or beef broth.

Assemble The Casserole:

Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with cooking spray or butter. Spread it evenly to the corners and smooth the top. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface making sure to cover it completely edge to edge.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese has completely melted turned golden in spots and bubbles are forming around the edges. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest on a heat-safe surface for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the casserole set so it will hold together better when served and prevents burning your mouth on too-hot food.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the crispy cheese edges and the creamy interior. My grandmother always said the corner pieces were the best parts and would save them for whoever helped her wash dishes afterward. Now I find myself doing the same thing with my own family creating that same special memory.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole shines as a prepare-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of adding cheese cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve remove from refrigerator while preheating the oven add the cheese and bake as directed just adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. For longer storage freeze the unbaked casserole without cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in refrigerator overnight add cheese and bake as directed.

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Customization Ideas

The beauty of this hamburger casserole lies in its adaptability. Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Add diced bell peppers mushrooms or zucchini when cooking the onions for extra vegetables. Switch up the cheese variety using pepper jack for spice mozzarella for stretch or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. The pasta can be any short variety you have on hand from elbow macaroni to penne or even broken spaghetti in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides to balance the meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. Steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent vegetable accompaniments. For a complete comfort food experience serve with garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce. A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds a tangy coolness that many find irresistible especially if you've added extra spices to your version.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini works best as it evenly combines with the sauce and ground beef.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How can I make this casserole more flavorful?

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the Italian seasoning.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this hearty casserole beautifully.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, let the casserole cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.