Comforting Hamburger Casserole

As seen in: Evening Meals That Deliver Results

A combination of tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce gets topped with gooey cheddar. This easy one-pan bake is comforting, quick to put together, kid-friendly, and adaptable with veggies like peppers or mushrooms. Ready in about an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeks. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep or a no-fuss lunch. It’s filling, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 13:30:56 GMT
Comforting Hamburger Casserole Save This
Comforting Hamburger Casserole | cookrisp.com

When I'm short on time and everyone's hungry, this cheesy hamburger casserole is my usual fix. It's packed with melty cheese, savory beef, and soft noodles—basically, total comfort food that vanishes fast around here because nobody fusses about eating it.

This dish came to life one night when my sister showed up with her kids and I needed to stretch a little meat to feed the crowd. It was such a smash hit that now my family won’t stop asking for it—especially once sweater weather rolls in.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Italian seasoning. Gives it a herby punch. Crush it between your fingers before tossing it in for bigger flavor.
  • Diced tomatoes. Brings in some tang. If you can get San Marzano, go for it—they’re next level.
  • Pasta. Fuels the whole thing. Medium shells or elbow noodles are great since they scoop up all that sauce.
  • Cheddar cheese. That gooey golden top comes from this. Sharp cheddar really stands out.
  • Salt and pepper. Bumps up all the other flavors. Kosher salt helps you season better.
  • Onion. Packs in extra yum. Yellow ones turn nice and sweet once cooked.
  • Cream of mushroom soup. Makes everything creamy and holds it together. It has a deep flavor that ties it all up.
  • Ground beef. The meat of the meal. Pick 80/20 for just the right fattiness and taste.
  • Garlic powder. Bring in a gentle garlic vibe. You can sub in fresh, but powder spreads out better.

Cozy Step-by-Steps

Let It Rest
Once you pull the pan out, give it about five minutes. This lets things thicken up a bit, so it slices better and serving is less messy. Don’t worry—it’ll stay hot!
Time to Bake
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for bubbly sides and some golden brown cheese on top. That’s how you know it’s all melted together just right.
Prep Your Oven
Flip your oven on to 350°F and coat your baking dish with butter or spray so nothing sticks.
Layer and Cheese It Up
Spoon the mixture into your greased pan. Sprinkle all the shredded cheddar across the top so every bite is cheesy.
Mix in the Noodles
Stir your cooked noodles into the meat sauce, gently so you don’t crush them. Take your time to get everything coated.
Brown Beef and Onion
Set a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your meat and onion, break up the chunks, and stir for 7 minutes until the onions are see-through and there’s no pink left in the beef.
Whip Up the Sauce
After draining off any extra grease, pour in the tomatoes (juice and all), soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it up till thick and nice and hot, about three minutes.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast Save This
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast | cookrisp.com

Cream of mushroom soup is my not-so-hidden secret here. My grandma always slipped it into her casseroles, and keeping that tradition going is important to me. Watching my own kids' faces light up at the first bite always brings me right back to her cozy kitchen table.

Switch Things Up

You can easily make this dish your own. Sub in ground chicken or turkey if you're after something lighter. Plant-based meat works, too. Swap the cream of mushroom for celery or chicken soup to play with the flavors. Just stick with the same amounts so the texture stays on point.

Storing and Warming Up

Slide leftover casserole into a tightly sealed container and it’ll last in the fridge for three days. The flavors actually get even better as they hang out together! To heat it up, cover with foil and pop in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes or zap individual servings in the microwave for 2 minutes. You can also freeze single portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat like above—it comes out great.

Add Extra Veggies

If you’re looking to up the veggie count, this is a great dish for that. Toss in tiny cubes of carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers when you cook the onions. Stir frozen corn or peas in with the noodles. Love mushrooms? Sauté 8 ounces of slices along with the onions to take the flavor deeper. All these easy add-ins give you more nutrition and some crunchy bites.

How to Serve It

This warm dish goes so well with light sides. Try a crisp salad with tangy dressing for balance. Steamed broccoli or green beans work, too. If you want to soak up every bit, grab some garlic bread. And for grownups, pouring a medium red like Chianti or a Merlot makes the whole meal feel extra special.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast Save This
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast | cookrisp.com

Common Queries

→ Can I swap the beef for a different protein?

Sure! Options like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work great to lighten it up or make it vegetarian.

→ What other kinds of pasta can be used in this dish?

Short varieties like rotini, macaroni, or penne are excellent choices, as they soak up the sauce nicely.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake.

→ How should I keep the leftovers?

Store the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

→ What are some good sides to serve with it?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make great pairings for a balanced meal.

Hamburger Pasta Casserole

Baked pasta mixed with beef and melted cheddar cheese.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
30 Minutes Required
Overall Time
45 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Dinner Victories

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Serving Size: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Essential Ingredients

01 1 onion, diced
02 2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
03 1 tsp of garlic powder
04 Salt and pepper as needed
05 1 tsp of Italian herb blend
06 1 lb of ground beef
07 1 can (15 oz) of chopped tomatoes
08 2 cups of pre-cooked pasta
09 1 can (10.5 oz) of creamy mushroom soup

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set your oven to heat up at 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a big skillet, cook the beef and diced onion over medium heat. Stir until the meat's cooked through.

Step 03

Get rid of the excess grease. Then mix in the tomatoes, mushroom soup, garlic powder, seasonings, and a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 04

Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 05

Pour the mix into a greased baking pan. Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously on top.

Step 06

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and nicely melted.

Step 07

Set it aside for a few moments to cool before digging in.

Additional Notes

  1. You could toss in peppers or mushrooms for extra taste.
  2. This dish can be prepared beforehand and chilled in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
  3. Leftovers can be kept in a sealed container for up to three days.

Tools to Have

  • Oven-safe skillet or pan
  • Oven
  • Baking dish, greased

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, mushroom soup).
  • May contain gluten (pasta, mushroom soup).

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 350
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Protein Amount: 15 grams