Get ready to discover your new family favorite! This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a glorious layer of melted cheese. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This simple, hearty dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We’ve designed this recipe to be straightforward and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting out, you’ll find the steps easy to follow. The result is a bubbly, golden-brown casserole that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but it comes together in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This entire meal comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: With its simple yet savory ingredients, this ground beef casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a comforting classic that never fails.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this dish delivers big flavor without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is a make-ahead dream! You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready, or freeze it for a future meal. For another great make-ahead meal, try our easy crack breakfast casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this hamburger pasta bake lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture.
- Pasta: Egg noodles are a classic choice, but macaroni, rotini, or penne work wonderfully too.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor for the entire dish.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A combination of tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes creates a rich, textured sauce.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper is all you need.
- Beef Broth: This adds depth and richness to the tomato sauce.
- Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is our go-to for the perfect melt and flavor pull.
How to Make The Best Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a dinner that will have the whole family raving. It’s a true one-pan wonder on the stovetop before it hits the oven.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease, then add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Savory Sauce
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your chosen pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to package directions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble the Casserole
Add the drained pasta and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese is beginning to melt. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta just until al dente is key. It will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt, we always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set, making it much easier to serve.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization!
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a little kick. If you like spicy, you’ll love our jalapeño popper egg rolls.
- Switch the Meat: This recipe works great with ground turkey or ground chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese along with the pasta.
What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A crisp cucumber and sweet pepper salad adds a refreshing contrast, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole without baking it, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely. You can freeze it directly in the baking dish if it’s freezer-safe, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This casserole is very versatile! You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables. For more flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stirring in some sour cream for a creamier texture.
We love using egg noodles, but any short, sturdy pasta works well. Rotini, penne, and elbow macaroni are all excellent choices as they hold the sauce well.
This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of garlic bread are all great options to complete the meal.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
If you loved this easy dinner, be sure to check out some of our other favorites! We know you’ll enjoy this savory Taco Spaghetti or our flavorful Garlic Butter Steak and Cheesy Rigatoni.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
We hope you love this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole recipe as much as we do! It’s a true comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. If you make it, we’d love for you to leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest!
