This family-favorite hamburger casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup, a recipe I’ve perfected over my years of cooking for a busy family.
What I love most about this dish, besides how ridiculously delicious it is, is that it’s a perfect way to get a complete and satisfying meal on the table without a ton of fuss. It’s a total lifesaver on those hectic days when you just want to relax and enjoy a good meal with the people you love.
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Key Takeaways
- So, so easy. You’ll use just one pan on the stovetop and a baking dish, keeping cleanup to a minimum.
- The ultimate comfort food. This casserole is packed with cheesy, savory goodness that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl.
- A budget-friendly superstar. Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this hamburger casserole is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.
- A dinner the whole family will love. Trust me, there won’t be any leftovers! If you’re looking for another dish that’s a surefire hit, you’ve got to try my creamy Italian sausage pasta—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Casserole
- This casserole is the ultimate busy weeknight hero. You can prep it in about 15 minutes, and then the oven does all the work.
- The combination of ground beef, gooey melted pepper jack cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta is pure magic. It’s savory, a little bit spicy, and absolutely irresistible.
- It’s a fantastic recipe for getting your kids to eat their veggies without a fight. The finely chopped bell pepper and onion melt right into the sauce.
- The recipe includes my secret ingredient: a touch of country dijon mustard and smoked paprika, which give the sauce a deep, savory flavor that elevates this dish from simple to sensational.
- The ground beef provides a great source of protein to keep you and your family feeling full and satisfied.
- You’ll love the crispy, golden-brown top, thanks to a final sprinkle of pepper jack cheese and crispy onions.
- This recipe is easily customizable. You can swap out the pepper jack for cheddar or use a different type of pasta. If you’re a fan of flexible recipes, you’ll also love my Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef, which is another fantastic way to use up ground beef.
Food or Cultural Background
Growing up, a simple hamburger casserole was a staple in my household. It was one of those dishes my mom could whip up on a Tuesday night after a long day of work, and it always felt like a special treat. The aroma of browning ground beef, onions, and garlic would fill the kitchen, and I knew we were in for a comforting, belly-filling meal. My mom’s version was super straightforward, often just ground beef, tomato soup, and macaroni, but it was perfect.
Over the years, I started playing with the recipe, adding different spices and cheeses. This version is a nod to that classic comfort food but with a little Karen-style upgrade. The smoked paprika and pepper jack cheese give it a bit of a kick and a depth of flavor that a simple tomato soup can’t quite match. It’s a nostalgic dish for me, a reminder of cozy family dinners. I think that’s why dishes like this resonate so much. They’re not just food; they’re memories. If you love dishes that remind you of home, you should definitely check out my classic meatloaf recipe—it’s a family favorite, just like this casserole.
Ingredients for Hamburger Casserole
| Ingredient | Notes/Substitutes |
| 1 Tbsp. olive oil | Any neutral oil will work, like vegetable or avocado oil. |
| 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt | Use a little more or less to taste. |
| 12 oz. fusilli or cavatappi pasta | Penne or elbow macaroni work great, too. For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. |
| 1 lb. ground beef | You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. |
| 1 green bell pepper, chopped | Red or yellow bell pepper works just as well. |
| 1 yellow onion, chopped | White onion is a fine substitute. |
| 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped | Garlic powder will work in a pinch (about 1 tsp.). |
| 1 tsp. smoked paprika | Adds a lovely, smoky flavor. Sweet paprika is also an option. |
| 1/2 tsp. black pepper | Freshly ground is best! |
| 2 cups beef broth | Chicken broth or vegetable broth are great substitutes. |
| 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce | Make sure it’s plain tomato sauce, not pasta sauce. |
| 1 Tbsp. country dijon mustard | Adds a nice tang. Regular dijon or spicy brown mustard can also work. |
| 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce | A secret weapon for umami flavor. |
| 1 (4-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed | For creaminess! Full-fat works best. |
| 1/2 cup milk | I prefer whole milk, but any milk you have on hand is fine. |
| 8 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese | Shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or a Colby-jack blend are all delicious! |
| 4 green onions, sliced | Fresh parsley or chives could also be used for a pop of color. |
| 3/4 cup crispy onions | The kind from a can. Don’t skip these—they add a great crunch! |
Equipment Needed
- Large sauté pan or Dutch oven
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
How to Make Hamburger Casserole Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Give your baking dish a good greasing with a little olive oil.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. You’ll want to cook it for about a minute less than the package directions say. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so trust me on this one. Drain it and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef in your large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion and cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the veggies are nice and golden, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma.
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened up a bit.
- Whisk in the cream cheese and milk. It might look a little lumpy at first, but just keep whisking until it’s silky smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup of the shredded pepper jack cheese, the sliced green onions, and your cooked pasta. Make sure everything is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of pepper jack cheese and the crispy onions on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly and hot. Garnish with a few more green onions and serve it right out of the dish!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook your pasta. Seriously, that one-minute-less rule is a game-changer. It prevents the pasta from getting mushy in the oven.
- Whisk the cream cheese in off the heat. This little trick helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
- Don’t be shy with the seasonings. The smoked paprika really makes this dish, so make sure you use it. For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.
- Use good quality ground beef. I recommend 85/15 or 90/10 for the best flavor without too much grease. If you’re looking for another great ground beef recipe, you should try my easy garlic butter meatballs! They’re so good.
- Double it up! This recipe is super easy to double if you’re feeding a big crowd or want to make a second casserole for the freezer.
What to Serve With Hamburger Casserole
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
- My classic cucumber pasta salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
- Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.
- Source: USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov)
| Serving Size | 1/8th of casserole |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
| Potassium | 450mg |
FAQs About Hamburger Casserole
What’s the difference between hamburger casserole and goulash?
While both dishes are hearty and use ground beef, classic goulash is a soup or stew, often with a beefy, paprika-heavy broth, while a hamburger casserole is a baked pasta dish held together with a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Can I make this hamburger casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What are some good toppings for hamburger casserole?
In addition to the crispy onions mentioned in the recipe, you can top your hamburger casserole with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or even some extra shredded cheese right before serving.
What’s good to mix with hamburger meat?
To enhance the flavor of ground beef, I love mixing in aromatics like chopped onion and garlic, herbs like parsley or oregano, and a binder like breadcrumbs or an egg. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a little seasoning blend, as I did in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you and your family love this hamburger casserole as much as we do. It’s one of those recipes that always feels like home, and it’s a perfect way to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Be sure to pin this recipe so you can come back to it again and again! Can’t wait to see your photos and read your reviews.
Oh, and if you’re looking for another comforting classic that’s a perfect weeknight meal, you’ve got to check out my slow cooker beef stew recipe! It’s another winner.
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The Best One-Pan Hamburger Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hamburger Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup. It’s a family-favorite comfort food that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta
12 oz. fusilli or cavatappi pasta
1 lb. ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. country dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 (4-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup milk
8 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese (about 2 cups)
4 green onions, sliced, plus more for sprinkling
3/4 cup crispy onions
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with the oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef browns and the vegetables start to turn golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
Add the garlic, paprika, pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cream cheese and milk. Fold in 1 cup of the pepper jack cheese, and then the green onions and pasta.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup pepper jack cheese and the fried onions, and bake until golden and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with more green onions and serve.
Notes
For a different flavor, you can substitute the pepper jack cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby-Jack blend.
This recipe can be made ahead of time. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: hamburger casserole, ground beef, weeknight dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, family dinner, easy casserole, cheesy casserole, one-pan meal