Craving a quick and easy meal that doesnโt compromise on flavor? This 4-ingredient Hamburger Casserole is the perfect solution! Itโs a hearty, comforting dish thatโs perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. Read on to discover how to make this tasty meal, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips.

What is Hamburger Casserole?
Hamburger Casserole is a simple and satisfying dish made with ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Itโs a versatile recipe that can be customized with various ingredients and flavors. This version keeps things super simple with just four ingredients, making it a quick and easy dinner option.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Casserole
Basic Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne).
- Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese).
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Soup: Use cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
Variations:
- Vegetables: Add a cup of frozen vegetables (such as peas, corn, or mixed vegetables) for added nutrition.
- Spicy: Mix in some diced jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Hamburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until itโs browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste (optional).
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not Draining Beef: Ensure you drain any excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Undermixing: Make sure the ingredients are well mixed to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Hamburger Casserole
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair with Sides: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a touch of color and flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Casserole
- Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal.
- Individual Portions: For a more formal setting, plate individual portions and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Add a Pop of Color: Use colorful vegetables as a side or garnish to add visual appeal.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to make the casserole your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare Hamburger Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Casserole?
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend instead of cheddar.
Q: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Mix in a cup of frozen vegetables, such as peas, corn, or mixed vegetables, or add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
Conclusion
Our 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious meal thatโs perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and comforting dish that the whole family will love. Follow our easy steps and tips for a foolproof casserole that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure and donโt forget to share your variations and tips with us!
Print4-ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe
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Make a quick and easy 4-ingredient Hamburger Casserole with ground beef, pasta, cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. This simple and comforting dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as elbow macaroni or penne).
- Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese).
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and 1 ยฝ cups of shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ยฝ cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder while browning.
- Customize by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or diced tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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