Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceHamburger Casserole combines all the best parts of a burger into one easy dish: juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich, savory sauce. It satisfies without the mess of grilling and is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but still comforting. You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings for a fun twist that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
I’m always popular when I make this casserole, as my family absolutely loves it! It’s pure comfort food that fills bellies, and it’s super easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes. It’s perfect for gamedays, potlucks, and back-to-school dinners. Try it today and become your family’s hero!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Hamburger Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
This is one of the easiest ground beef casserole recipes ever; just follow my simple instructions.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set it aside for later—you’ll need it for layering that perfect casserole. I’m a convert to this pan pasta strainer; it saves me from having to clean a colander, and that’s a win in my book.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and start breaking it apart. I used to wrestle with a wooden spoon trying to break it up evenly, but now I just use this meat chopper, which honestly makes the process so much faster—and way less clumpy.
Cook it until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step adds a rich, savory base to your dish.
Add Onion and Simmer
Toss in the diced yellow onions and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Then, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Mix the Special Sauce
This is also when I pull out one of my mixing bowls with a pour spout, which is great when you’re working with liquids and don’t want to splash tomato sauce on everything you own.
Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and finely diced pickles. This tangy sauce will give the casserole that classic burger taste with an extra kick.
I use a little mini whisk I keep just for dressings and sauces—it sounds silly, but it mixes everything super smooth without splattering.
Combine the Beef and Pasta
Mix the cooked beef mixture with the drained pasta in a large bowl, stirring until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
A large bowl with a grippy bottom really helps here—my non-slip mixing bowl set has saved me from chasing the bowl around the counter mid-stir more times than I can count.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Layer the Casserole
Grease a casserole dish, and start layering! My dish has handles, which is a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re pulling it out of a hot oven later.
Add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by the beef mixture, and then top it all off with a hearty layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180ºC) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top. The cheese should melt into a deliciously gooey topping.
I always slide a rimmed sheet pan underneath in case anything spills—saves cleanup and saves me from swearing when something hits the bottom of the oven.
Serve with Fresh Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, garnish your casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped parsley, and extra pickles. If you’re hosting or just want to feel a little fancy, serving the toppings in a few small but beautiful ceramic pinch bowls makes everything look more intentional (and it’s easier for picky eaters to skip what they don’t want).
Drizzle the special sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
If you’re making this to take somewhere (and honestly, it travels really well), I’d 100% recommend using an insulated casserole carrier. It fits a 9×13 baking dish perfectly, keeps everything hot for hours, and zips up securely so you’re not white-knuckling the casserole the whole car ride. I’ve used mine for years—potlucks, holidays, even just keeping dinner warm when everyone’s running late.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound elbow pasta
- 1 pound burger meat ground beef
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup pickles diced very small
- ¼ cup lettuce finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.½ pound elbow pasta
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned.1 pound burger meat
- Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let it all simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.½ cup onion, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup crushed tomatoes, Salt and pepper
- Grease a casserole dish. Begin layering by adding the cooked pasta, followed by the beef mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.1 cup cheddar cheese
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the casserole bakes, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, diced pickles, and shredded lettuce in a small bowl to create the sauce.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons mustard, 2 tablespoons ketchup, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Once baked, serve the casserole with the sauce, garnished with extra pickles, shredded lettuce, and parsley for added freshness.¼ cup pickles, ¼ cup lettuce, 1 tablespoon parsley
Video
Notes
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness. It will hold up perfectly once baked with the beef and cheese.
- Crumbled Beef for Even Texture: Break up the ground beef thoroughly while cooking to ensure every bite has a consistent, meaty texture.
- Simmer for Depth: Don’t rush the simmering process—let the beef, broth, and tomatoes cook together for maximum flavor.
- Cheese Tip: For that classic gooey melted cheese top, be sure to evenly spread the cheddar over the casserole before baking. If you want a bit more indulgence, add extra cheese for a thicker, golden crust.
- Customizable Sauce: The sauce can easily be adjusted to your personal taste. If you prefer it tangier, add a bit more mustard. Want it a little sweeter? Increase the ketchup. You can tweak it to perfectly match your flavor preferences.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven; you want it bubbling and slightly browned for the best results.
- Add More Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach if you want to boost the nutrition without changing the flavor.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are a few of my top tips for customizing your casserole and making it perfectly for you.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness. It will hold up perfectly once baked with the beef and cheese.
- Crumbled Beef for Even Texture: Break up the ground beef thoroughly while cooking to ensure every bite has a consistent, meaty texture.
- Simmer for Depth: Don’t rush the simmering process—let the beef, broth, and tomatoes cook together for maximum flavor.
- Cheese Tip: For that classic gooey melted cheese top, be sure to evenly spread the cheddar over the casserole before baking. If you want a bit more indulgence, add extra cheese for a thicker, golden crust.
- Customizable Sauce: The sauce can easily be adjusted to your personal taste. If you prefer it tangier, add a bit more mustard. Want it a little sweeter? Increase the ketchup. You can tweak it to perfectly match your flavor preferences.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven; you want it bubbling and slightly browned for the best results.
- Add More Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach if you want to boost the nutrition without changing the flavor.
How to Store Leftover Hamburger Casserole
If you have leftovers (big if), let everything cool before transferring it into glass meal prep containers. I love these because they don’t stain from tomato sauce, and they go right from fridge to microwave without cracking.
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
This doesn’t freeze well, as the pasta tends to go all mushy when thawed.
What to Serve With Hamburger Casserole
Serve your Hamburger Casserole with a light side salad or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
For a full comfort food experience, pair it with garlic bread or a side of coleslaw. You can also add some crispy fries for a true burger-inspired dinner.
More Easy Casserole Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love casseroles as much as I do, you should give these a try.
- Million Dollar Casserole
- Crack Chicken Casserole
- Cornbread Casserole
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Potato Casserole
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
This looks delicious! I’m definitely going to be adding this to my recipe collection. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!!
I do have a question though, you said that it wouldn’t freeze well as the potatoes would go mushy. I don’t see that potatoes are on the ingredients list, am I missing something?
You’re absolutely right — there aren’t any potatoes in this dish and it should have been ‘pasta’. I’m not sure how that slipped in there! Thanks for catching that, and sorry for the confusion!