Name: Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb box medium shells; 1 lb ground beef; 21.5 oz tomato soup (2 cans); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that delivers pure comfort in every bite, Hamburger Casserole will fast become your weeknight hero. This one-pan wonder brings together tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato soup, and a bubbling crown of melty cheddar and mozzarella—everything mingling into pure nostalgic goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or prepping a dish that reheats beautifully, this casserole dishes up hearty flavors and satisfying textures with almost no fuss. Trust me, it’s destined for repeat appearances at your table!

Hamburger Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hamburger Casserole is in its humble, straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a starring role: lending color, coziness, and rich flavors that blend together in every forkful. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic baked dish:

Medium Shells: Their little nooks gather up all the saucy, cheesy goodness for the perfect bite every time.
Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, adding savory depth and that signature meaty richness.
Tomato Soup: Not just for lunch! It creates a luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Cheddar Cheese: Gives that familiar sharpness and gooey melt we all crave in a baked casserole.
Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers on stretch and milky smoothness to balance out the cheddar.
Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors—don’t skip it during the beef browning step!
Pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and a little kick in every mouthful.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. This ensures your casserole will bake up golden and bubbly without any guesswork once you’ve assembled everything. A hot oven equals the best cheesy crust!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your medium shells according to package directions. Aim for al dente—since they’ll finish cooking in the oven, you don’t want them too soft now. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

While those noodles work their magic, place your ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper while browning, breaking up the meat so it’s nice and crumbled. Cook until there’s no pink left, then drain off any fat for a lighter casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour your cooked noodles in first. Add the browned ground beef and tomato soup straight into the pan. If you prefer a bit more sauce, stir in up to 1/2 cup of water for extra moisture. Give everything a hearty mix so the sauce and beef coat every shell.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Now for my favorite part: the cheese. Scatter cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the casserole, making sure no spot is left behind—this is what creates those irresistible golden pools and crispy edges later.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into a gooey blanket without getting too brown too quickly.

Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and return your Hamburger Casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes. The top should turn golden and ultra-melty, with deliciously toasty edges peeking through.

Step 8: Optional Broil

If you want a bit of browned, bubbly cheese magic, turn on your broiler and let your casserole sit under it for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely—this is how you get that drool-worthy, golden finish!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

After removing your casserole from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This little rest makes scooping easier and helps all the flavors settle in together. Serve hot, and just wait for the oohs and ahhs!

How to Serve Hamburger Casserole

Garnishes

Give your Hamburger Casserole a personal touch with some fun garnishes! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. For a bit of crunch, try adding crispy fried onions or even a few buttery breadcrumbs just before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling all on its own, but it loves a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. I also love serving it with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of saucy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve individual portions of Hamburger Casserole in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls. Or, let everyone customize their own plate with a toppings bar: offer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra cheese, or even jalapeños for those who like it spicy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lucky enough to have leftovers? Cover your cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making busy weeknight dinners a breeze.

Freezing

Hamburger Casserole is a dream for meal prepping! Simply assemble the casserole but hold off on baking; wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—maybe add a few extra minutes for extra-melty cheese.

Reheating

To reheat single servings, just pop a plate in the microwave until steaming hot. Reheating a full casserole? Cover with foil and warm it in a 350℉ oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. A splash of water or broth can revive the sauce if it looks a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While medium shells are perfect for catching all the saucy, cheesy goodness, macaroni, rotini, or penne work beautifully as well. Just keep the cooking time in mind to avoid overcooked noodles.

How do I make this Hamburger Casserole gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free shells and double-check that your tomato soup is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in blanched peas, shredded carrots, or sautéed mushrooms when you mix together the beef and soup. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and color—the kids might not even notice!

What’s the best cheese for Hamburger Casserole?

Cheddar and mozzarella give the classic flavor and gooey pull, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a little Parmesan sprinkled on top all add their own magic touch.

How can I make this casserole ahead for a party?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When it’s party time, just add 10-15 minutes to the bake time straight from the fridge and your Hamburger Casserole will be hot, fresh, and ready to wow your guests.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes bring people together like this easy, cheesy Hamburger Casserole. It’s cozy, customizable, and guaranteed to put smiles around your table. Give it a try soon—I can’t wait to hear if it becomes a new favorite at your place too!

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Hamburger Casserole that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, savory tomato soup, and gooey cheese for a delicious family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 lb box medium shells
1 lb ground beef
21.5 oz tomato soup (2 cans)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

For the Topping:

1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375℉.
Cook noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
Brown ground beef: While the noodles cook, brown the ground beef in a frying pan until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble casserole: Place cooked noodles in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Mix in the cooked ground beef and tomato soup. Optionally, add 1/2 cup of water for more moisture.
Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Cover with foil.
Bake: Bake in a preheated 375℉ oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Broil: For a golden cheese topping, broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American