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A hand holding a spoon serves a portion of a baked pasta dish from a white ceramic dish. The pasta, reminiscent of hamburger casserole, is topped with greens and other ingredients, placed on a wooden surface with a cloth underneath.

Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy beef, melty cheese, and a rich sauce—all in one easy dish. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick but still hearty and satisfying. You can switch it up with your favorite burger toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it's ready in just 40 minutes, making it great for gamedays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Hamburger Casserole
Servings: 4
Calories: 851kcal

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

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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

Calories: 851kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 866mg | Potassium: 851mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 599IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 273mg | Iron: 4mg
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