Easy, budget-friendly, and ready in under 1 hour! This easy hamburger casserole recipe has layers of saucy beef, tender noodles, and oodles of melted cheese then baked until bubbly.
It’s so good it’s been on the menu at least once a month lately!
Hamburger casserole is one-dish comfort food at its finest.
Pasta Shells are mixed with ground beef and then topped with with cheese and baked to bubbly perfection (love this combo – try our baked mac and cheese, too!).
Since it doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare, this hearty casserole recipe is perfect for a quick meal on busy nights.
Ingredients
1 (1lb) box medium pasta shells
1lb ground beef
2 (10oz) cans tomato soup
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup water
garlic, salt & pepper to taste
How To Make Hamburger Casserole
Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease and 9×13 baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown and chop the ground beef with garlic powder, salt and pepper (or any seasoning of your choice).
Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, a half cup of water and HALF of the cheese to your skillet with the browned beef; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Pour the mixture into your greased dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes (I also like to turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese).
Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To store Hamburger Casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
When reheating, warm in the microwave in short intervals or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture to the pasta and sauce.
For a delicious twist on Hamburger Casserole, try swapping ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
You can also add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in extra veggies.
If you prefer a richer sauce, mix in a can of diced tomatoes or marinara sauce instead of one of the tomato soup cans.
For a crispy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
To make it even cheesier, mix in Parmesan or pepper jack along with the cheddar and mozzarella.
The nutritional value of Hamburger Casserole depends on portion size and ingredient choices. A typical serving is high in protein and carbs, providing energy from the pasta and beef.
The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, but also increases the calorie and fat content.
To lighten it up, consider using whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta, lean ground turkey, or reduced-fat cheese.
Adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can boost fiber and nutrients.
While this dish is hearty and satisfying, portion control is key if you’re watching calorie intake, as it can be moderate to high in fat and sodium.