Looking for a hearty, cheesy dish that satisfies the whole family? This Hamburger Casserole recipe is the answer! With its gooey cheese, flavorful beef, and tender pasta, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Let me share why this casserole has become a favorite in my household, along with step-by-step instructions to make it a breeze. You’ll love how easy and customizable it is—let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The Hamburger Casserole is a delightful combination of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that transform into something truly special. Think of it as a warm hug in casserole form. This dish doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

And trust me, when the smell of cheesy pasta fills your kitchen, everyone will be asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”

Getting Started: Prepping the Pasta and Oven

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 (1 lb) box medium pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup water
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick to the dish, making cleanup easier.

Cooking the Beef and Combining the Ingredients

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat once it’s done.

Kitchen Hack: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and makes the casserole easier to eat later.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

With the skillet still on medium-low heat, stir in the cooked pasta. Pour in the tomato soup and ½ cup of water, mixing everything until well combined.

Now comes the fun part: add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to the mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy, beefy sauce.

Optional Add-Ins: Want to add extra veggies or flavor? Toss in some diced onions, green bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: Assembly and Baking Made Simple

Now that we’ve prepped the pasta and created our rich, cheesy beef mixture, it’s time to assemble this mouthwatering Hamburger Casserole. This is where all the ingredients come together to create that perfectly baked, golden, and gooey dish you’ll be craving on repeat.

Let’s dive into the next steps and make your kitchen smell like a dream!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the pasta and beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to ensure it’s all nice and level, so each bite has that delicious balance of pasta, sauce, and beef.

Add the Cheesy Topping

Now it’s time to make this casserole irresistible. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella evenly across the top. This creates a bubbly, golden crust that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of crispy edges, sprinkle a little extra cheese near the corners—it caramelizes beautifully while baking!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep all the flavors locked in and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through while the cheese starts to melt.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. This step ensures the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly.

Optional Broil for Crispy Topping

If you love a bit of crispiness, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning—those few minutes can make all the difference!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to dish out those picture-perfect portions.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve it on its own for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Pair it with a crisp side salad for a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness.
Add a slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up every last bit of that cheesy goodness.

Tips for Customization

One of the best things about this Hamburger Casserole is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Sneak in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped spinach for added nutrients.
Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Switch the Cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, or even a smoky cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on taste.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This Hamburger Casserole recipe combines the ease of a one-pan meal with flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The pasta absorbs just the right amount of sauce, the beef brings hearty protein, and the cheese ties it all together in the most delicious way.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it reheats like a dream—hello, lunch for tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Casserole

Before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some of the most common questions about this delicious Hamburger Casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to casseroles, these tips will help you nail the recipe every time.

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole as instructed but hold off on baking it. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, and bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze Hamburger Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. How can I prevent the casserole from drying out?

The secret is the ½ cup of water mixed with the tomato soup—it keeps the casserole moist while baking. Also, make sure to cover the dish with foil for the first part of the bake time.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While medium pasta shells work perfectly, you can substitute elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.

5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you prefer lighter proteins. Just be sure to season generously to enhance the flavor.

6. What side dishes go well with Hamburger Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside steamed broccoli or a simple coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Hamburger Casserole isn’t just a dish—it’s a dinner table hero. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, fills bellies, and sparks joy with every cheesy, savory bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Hamburger Casserole

Author: David
Total Time: 45 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting Hamburger Casserole combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a cheesy, tomato-based sauce for a family-friendly meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights, it’s a dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (1lb) box medium pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup water
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

2️⃣ Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

3️⃣ Cook the ground beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

4️⃣ Combine the ingredients:

Lower the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine.

Pour in the tomato soup and ½ cup of water, stirring well to mix.

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated.

5️⃣ Assemble the casserole:

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar (1 cup) and mozzarella (½ cup) on top for a cheesy topping.

6️⃣ Bake the casserole:

Cover the 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 on top is melted and bubbly. For a crispy topping, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7️⃣ Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy on its own, or pair with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Add veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes