Hamburger Casserole Recipe
I have to admit—there’s something truly special about this hamburger casserole recipe that makes it a favorite in our home. It’s filling, cheesy, and the type of dish that gathers everyone around the table with happy faces and eager appetites. Whether you’re wrestling with picky eaters, need to stretch a pound of ground beef into something satisfying, or just want a dish that screams comfort—this one’s for you.
I first whipped this up on a rushed Monday night when all I had was some ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a vague idea of what comfort food should taste like. And oh boy, it was a hit. Since then, we’ve tweaked and tested this recipe until it was just right—loaded with flavor, ultra-customizable, and oh-so-satisfying.
If you’ve ever searched for a ground beef casserole recipe, or wanted an easy hamburger casserole that didn’t skimp on the good stuff, welcome home.
Why This Hamburger Casserole Recipe Works
Here’s why I swear by this one:
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry or fridge.
Quick Prep Time: From stovetop to oven in under 20 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even the fussiest eaters love it.
Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and stash it away for those too-busy-to-cook days.
Customizable: Vegetarian? Low-carb? Spice-lover? I’ve got you.
This recipe is based on the principles of classic comfort food, featuring hearty and familiar ingredients that strike a perfect balance of texture, richness, and flavor. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to turn affordable ground beef into something memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Imperial & Metric)
For the Casserole:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (60g) mozzarella cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
Ground Beef: I go with 80/20 for richness, but leaner is fine. You can also sub in ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble.
Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness. Mix in mozzarella for stretchiness. Always shred it yourself if you can—it melts smoother than the pre-shredded stuff.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic, but penne or rotini work just as well. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Tomato Sauce & Paste: The paste adds deep umami. Don’t skip it!
Seasonings: Italian herbs and smoked paprika round out the flavor. Add chili flakes for heat.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: In a spacious skillet set over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Tip: Let it sit for a minute without stirring to get a nice sear—hello, Maillard reaction!
Add onion and garlic: Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, sauce, broth, and seasonings. Let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine pasta and beef mixture. Toss until well coated.
Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
Top with cheeses. Layer evenly for that gooey, golden topping.
Cook for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Customizations
Dietary Options
Keto/Low-Carb: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta or rice.
Dairy-Free: Sub vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether—add avocado for richness.
Flavor Twists
Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack.
Italian-Inspired: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and fresh basil.
Spicy: Toss in some jalapeños or a hit of cayenne.
Fun Add-Ins
Frozen peas, chopped spinach, or mushrooms
Tater tots or biscuit dough on top for a “casserole crust”
Crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for crunch
Tips for Success & Troubleshooting
Too watery? Simmer the sauce a bit longer before mixing with pasta.
Too dry? Add an extra 1/4 cup broth or a splash of milk before baking.
Make-ahead: Assemble the whole dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: Freeze after assembling (before baking) or after it’s baked. Wrap tightly.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole
Balance out the richness with:
A fresh green salad
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Roasted broccoli or green beans
You can even pair it with some of our other beef favorites like this Beef and Noodles Crockpot dish or these mouthwatering Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef.
FAQs About Hamburger Casserole
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this hamburger casserole?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well. You might want to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.
How long does hamburger casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll keep for up to 4 days. It’s great for meal prep!
What’s the best cheese for hamburger casserole?
A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the best flavor and melt. Parmesan adds a salty kick.
Can I freeze hamburger casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions or whole. Just wrap tightly and label. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 40–45 mins, covered.
Why is my casserole watery after baking?
This can happen if the sauce wasn’t reduced enough or if the pasta was overcooked. Use al dente pasta and simmer the sauce until thick.
Can I make this without tomato sauce?
Sure! Try a creamy base with sour cream and cream of mushroom soup for a different take.
Join the Comfort Food Club
What are your favorite add-ins or toppings for hamburger casserole? I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own—drop a comment below! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating, pin it for later, and share it with your fellow comfort food lovers.
You can also explore more deliciously beefy recipes like:
Hungry yet? This hamburger casserole recipe is calling your name.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups 200g uncooked elbow macaroni or shell pasta
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup 240ml tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup 120ml beef broth or water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups 170g shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup 60g mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup 25g grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary needs.
- This dish freezes well—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
For safe handling tips on ground beef, visit the USDA Ground Beef Safety Guidelines.
