This quick and comforting hamburger casserole is an economical, family-friendly dish that comes together in under an hour. Made with simple pantry staples—ground beef, pasta shells, canned tomato soup, and a blend of cheeses—this casserole delivers a warm, cheesy meal that tastes like a skillet cheeseburger layered with pasta. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want a satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.
The recipe uses basic ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, and it’s easy to adapt: swap cheeses, add vegetables, or use turkey or sausage in place of beef. Below you’ll find clear directions, ingredient details, servings and timing information, plus a simple variation to customize the flavor. This hamburger casserole makes a reliable main course that pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Greasing the dish prevents sticking and helps the casserole brown evenly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 lb. pasta shells, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb. ground beef and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, 2 (10 oz) cans of tomato soup, 1/2 cup of water, and half of the shredded cheese (about 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella, or a combined 1 1/2 cups). Stir until the noodles and beef are well coated in the tomato mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a golden, melty crust when baked.
- Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld without over-browning the cheese.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and beginning to turn golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to make it easier to serve. Serve immediately and enjoy this easy hamburger casserole with your favorite side dishes.
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Hamburger Casserole
Recipe by April King
Course: Main, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Difficulty: Easy
8
servings
10
minutes
30
minutes
40
minutes
Ingredients
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1 lb. pasta shells
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1 lb. ground beef
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2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup water
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp pepper
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Brown ground beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then drain excess fat.
- Combine pasta, beef, tomato soup, water and half the cheese in a large bowl and mix until coated.
- Pour mixture into the prepared dish, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Let rest briefly and serve warm.
Notes
- To vary the flavor, substitute ground beef with ground sausage or ground turkey. For a spicier version, use pepper jack or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
- Add-ins: Stir in cooked diced onions, bell peppers, or a cup of frozen corn for extra texture and nutrition. Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or a pinch of Italian seasoning complement the tomato base.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time slightly if baking straight from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwaved in single portions.