baked hamburger casserole

Baked hamburger casserole is a quintessential, cozy weeknight dinner that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta or potatoes, a rich, bubbly sauce, and melted cheese. It is simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Pasta Base:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean 85/15 or 90/10)
• 8 oz short pasta (rotini, egg noodles, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce & Cheesy Topping:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
• ½ cup sour cream (adds a rich, tangy creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella), divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions, but stop 2 minutes early (al dente). The pasta will finish softening in the oven sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper.
2. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon until browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Beef

1. In a large mixing bowl (or directly in your pasta pot), whisk together the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Add the drained pasta and the browned ground beef mixture to the bowl. Stir everything together until the pasta and meat are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
2. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil (so the cheese doesn’t stick) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm with a side garden salad or garlic bread.