This hamburger casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy, saucy finish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can make it ahead, freeze it, or customize it to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Diced tomatoes (optional)
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Directions
Preheat your oven and lightly grease a casserole dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Creamy Version: Mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions or as a whole dish for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make hamburger casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne all hold up well and mix nicely with the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a lighter version.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the pasta should be fully cooked and drained before mixing with the sauce.
Can I freeze hamburger casserole?
Yes, it freezes very well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or reheating.
What can I serve with hamburger casserole?
It pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover it with foil while baking, especially if reheating. You can also add a little extra sauce or cheese.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely. The simple flavors and cheesy topping make it a hit with kids.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra depth.
Conclusion
Hamburger casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table with minimal effort. Loaded with savory beef, pasta, and cheese, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this easy casserole delivers every time.
Hamburger casserole is a hearty, family-friendly bake featuring seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple, comforting, and customizable.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini), cooked and drained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.Cover with foil during baking to prevent drying out.Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.For a creamy twist, stir in sour cream or cream cheese before baking.Freezes well — store in portions or as a whole dish for up to 2 months.
