Masters of kitchen
Hamburger casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—fast. It’s cozy, comforting, and filled with familiar flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a crowd, or just need something hearty after a long day, this recipe delivers.
It’s a true weeknight hero: easy to make, super affordable, and endlessly customizable. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just some ground beef, pasta, sauce, cheese, and a baking dish.
Great for potlucks, holidays, or lazy Sundays, it reheats beautifully and freezes well too. Plus, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about a bubbling casserole dish coming out of the oven.
In this post, you’ll find everything from step-by-step instructions to flavor-boosting tips and creative variations. Get ready to make this your new go-to family dinner!
What Is Hamburger Casserole?
Hamburger casserole is a classic American comfort dish that combines seasoned ground beef with pasta (or sometimes potatoes), sauce, and melted cheese, all baked into one warm, bubbly meal.
You might hear it called cheeseburger casserole or even beef and pasta bake—and every version has its own twist. The core idea? A one-dish wonder that’s hearty, satisfying, and great for feeding a crowd.
Unlike lasagna or shepherd’s pie, hamburger casserole is far more forgiving. No need to layer meticulously or worry about perfect technique. It’s made for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The best part? You can make it your own—whether you like it spicy, creamy, extra cheesy, or veggie-packed. It’s a blank canvas for comfort food creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need (with Options)
This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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Ground beef – 85/15 is a good balance of flavor and fat. Leaner options work too.
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Pasta – Elbow macaroni is classic, but penne or rotini hold sauce well.
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Tomato or marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade.
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Cheese – Shredded cheddar or mozzarella for that melty, golden topping.
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Onion & garlic – Fresh or powdered both work to deepen the flavor.
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Seasoning – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika for balance.
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Creamy add-ins – Sour cream, cream cheese, or a can of cream of mushroom make it rich and velvety.
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Optional extras – Diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn.
Pro tip:
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Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey.
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Going gluten-free? Choose rice-based or lentil pasta for a perfect substitute.
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Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra sauciness and texture.
Ground beef is protein-rich and versatile—learn more about the nutritional facts and health considerations of ground beef.
How to Make Hamburger Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to bring it all together in a few simple steps:
1. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
2. Cook the pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente.
You want it slightly undercooked since it’ll finish baking in the oven.
Drain and set aside.
Make sure your pasta is just shy of al dente—here’s how to cook pasta just right for casseroles so it holds up during baking.
3. Mix everything together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, pasta, tomato sauce (or marinara), and optional creamy add-ins like sour cream or cream of mushroom.
Mix thoroughly so every bite has flavor.
Optional style tip:
Prefer a layered casserole? Spread half the pasta, then the beef, then the rest of the pasta and sauce—then top with cheese.
4. Assemble in a casserole dish
Use a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly greased.
Pour everything in and spread evenly.
Top generously with shredded cheese.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes to brown the top.
6. Let it rest before serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes.
This helps everything set and makes serving much easier.
Expert tip:
Use foil for the first half of baking to keep the cheese from burning while the casserole heats through evenly.
Flavor Boosting Tips
Want to take your hamburger casserole from good to amazing? Try these flavorful add-ins:
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Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce – adds savory depth
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Italian sausage – mix half-and-half with ground beef for bold flavor
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Red pepper flakes or hot sauce – turn up the heat if you like spice
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Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika – season your layers well
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Fresh herbs – parsley, thyme, or oregano added after baking = fresh finish
Pro tip:
Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. It makes it look just as good as it tastes!
What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole
Pair your hamburger casserole with simple sides that balance the richness:
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Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette or ranch
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Garlic bread, buttery dinner rolls, or toast points
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Steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
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Roasted carrots or a light cucumber salad for freshness
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Drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or a light-bodied red wine
Bold tip: Serve it with a side of pickles or pickle chips for a fun “burger night” twist. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and adds a playful crunch!
Make-Ahead, Freezer & Storage Tips
This recipe is a lifesaver when it comes to meal prep. Here’s how to make it work for your schedule:
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil or wrap, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing in the oven.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze it baked or unbaked:
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Wrap tightly in two layers of plastic and foil.
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Label and freeze up to 3 months.
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For unbaked casseroles, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
For best results, follow these safe casserole freezing tips from the USDA to ensure freshness and safety during long-term storage.
Reheating Tips
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly. Microwave in individual portions for quick lunches.
Pro tip: Add a splash of broth, milk, or tomato sauce before reheating to keep the casserole moist and saucy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common slip-ups for casserole success:
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Overcooking the pasta: Boil it just until al dente—it’ll cook more in the oven.
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Skipping seasoning: Don’t rely on cheese and sauce alone. Season the beef and sauce!
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Too much cheese on top: Can lead to greasy, burnt edges. A moderate layer is best.
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No foil cover: Skipping this can cause the top to brown too early while the center stays cold.
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Serving immediately: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to firm up and make clean slices.
FAQs About Hamburger Casserole
What is the difference between hamburger casserole and lasagna?
Lasagna uses pasta sheets and structured layers with ricotta or béchamel, while hamburger casserole is more free-form, often mixing ingredients and using shredded cheese and simple sauces.
Can you make hamburger casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temp for 20–30 minutes, then bake as usual.
Can I freeze hamburger casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze it either before or after baking. Use a disposable foil tray for convenience. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot throughout.
What kind of pasta works best in hamburger casserole?
Short shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or shells work best. They hold sauce well and don’t turn mushy after baking.
How do I make this casserole more flavorful?
Add Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onions and garlic, or a pinch of cayenne. Italian seasoning or taco seasoning can transform the flavor entirely.
Is hamburger casserole healthy or high in calories?
It can be calorie-dense, depending on ingredients. Use lean meat, low-fat cheese, whole wheat pasta, or swap in veggies to make it lighter.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
Try marinara, alfredo, or even salsa for a twist. You can also make a quick sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning.
How long does leftover hamburger casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Hamburger Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 or lean
- 8 oz pasta elbow, penne, or rotini
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar tomato or marinara sauce
- 1 cup sour cream or 1 can cream of mushroom optional, for creaminess
- 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 can diced tomatoes chopped bell peppers, frozen peas or corn
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce (and optional sour cream or soup) to the skillet. Stir well.
- Combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture in a large bowl or directly in the casserole dish.
- Pour everything into a greased 9x13” baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
- Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze: wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in oven or microwave with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent dryness.
- Customize easily with taco seasoning, different veggies, or alternative cheeses.
We’d Love to Hear How It Turned Out!
Tried this Hamburger Casserole at home? Leave a comment below and tell us your twist—did you go spicy with jalapeños? Mix in some bell peppers or sneak in veggies for the kids? Maybe you made it extra cheesy with cream cheese or added a tater tot topping?
We’re all about those cozy casserole vibes, so if you’re hungry for more hearty dinners…
Don’t Stop Here—Try These Reader-Favorite Casseroles Too:
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Dorito Casserole Recipe – Layers of crushed Doritos, spiced beef, and creamy cheese sauce make this a crunchy, craveable dinner.
Coney Chili Mac Casserole – A bold twist on chili mac with hot dog slices, chili seasoning, and loads of melted cheese.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole – Creamy mashed potatoes, bacon, and cheese baked to golden perfection. Comfort food done right.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe – Layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, salsa, and cheese baked into a bubbly, crowd-pleasing dish.