This comforting Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-friendly and kid-approved
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Budget-conscious using pantry staples
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Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
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One-dish simplicity with big flavor
Ingredients Breakdown
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Ground Beef (1 lb):
Adds hearty, meaty flavor and protein. Use 80–85% lean beef for the best taste and juiciness. -
Chopped Onion (1 medium):
Brings a sweet, aromatic depth to the casserole. Yellow or sweet onions work best. -
Cooked Pasta (2 cups):
Provides structure and bulk. Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are ideal for catching the creamy sauce. -
Diced Tomatoes (1 can):
Adds brightness and a bit of tang to balance the richness. Low-sodium recommended. -
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can):
Creates a creamy, savory binder that pulls the dish together. Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option. -
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups):
Melts into a gooey, golden topping. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. -
Garlic Powder (1 tsp):
Enhances the savory flavor of the dish. Can be replaced with fresh minced garlic if desired. -
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp):
Adds a fragrant herby kick—look for a mix of oregano, basil, and rosemary. -
Salt & Pepper (to taste):
Essential for seasoning. Adjust after tasting the casserole mix before baking.
Tips and Tricks
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Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
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Cheese Swap: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a stretchier texture.
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Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne for heat.
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Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well for easy meal prep.
Variations and Customizations
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Taco Casserole: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs and add black beans and corn.
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Creamy Swap: Use cream of cheddar or cream of tomato soup for a flavor twist.
What to Serve With Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
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Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
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Garlic Bread: For dipping in that cheesy, saucy goodness.
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Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a wholesome side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Popular Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini hold up well in this baked dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cups cooked pasta
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1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
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1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onions are translucent—about 8–10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and warmed through.
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Gently stir the cooked pasta into the meat mixture, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the noodles. This is where the dish starts to come together.
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect gooey finish.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is hot all the way through.
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes slicing and plating much easier—and helps the flavors settle.
Notes
This cheesy hamburger casserole is everything you want in a comfort food classic—easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner idea, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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