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If you, like many American families, grew up on those boxed casseroles where you “just add ground beef,” then you’ll love this throwback!
Our hamburger casserole may feel like the one-pot original, but the taste is unmatched! This is a homemade version that’s just as simple, but packed with flavor. We baked ours in the oven for a melty cheese crust and a bit of a twist.
This is an easy, cheesy dish that makes our weeknights a breeze. It doesn’t dirty a bunch of dishes, and it’s on the table in under an hour!
We love to keep a running list of meals that are not only easy to make but yummy, so the kids will actually eat them – casseroles like this one usually fit the bill.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- A childhood favorite. This hamburger casserole hits it out of the park. It is so easy and flavorful. Really, what’s not to love? It’s like a casserole of comfort.
- On the table in no time. Family dinner is a cinch and on the table in under an hour!
- Kid-approved. With “hamburger” in the name, how could it not be?! Our kids love every flavor in this dish.
Hamburger Casserole Ingredients And Substitutions
- 1 pound ground beef – Use ground turkey or chicken instead, or substitute half the ground beef with ground sausage.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup, or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained – Other vegetables you could use are peas, sautéed green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – To turn up the heat, add extra chili powder, red chili flakes, or top with hot sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
- black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked – Use another similar-sized pasta such as small shells, egg noodles, small penne, rotini, or ditalini.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese more if needed, to cover the casserole – We like mild or sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use another favorite cheese like mozzarella, Colby, or pepper jack.
- optional topping – Top each serving with green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Make Hamburger Casserole
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F
- PASTA. Boil the macaroni according to the package directions and drain.
- SAUCE. Use a large skillet to brown the ground beef over medium-high heat (drain excess oil). Add the chili powder, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, stir the cream of chicken mushroom soup, tomato sauce, and corn. Add it to the skillet with the hamburger.
- BAKE. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes of bake time, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and finish baking the casserole.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Casseroles are famous for being quick, easy, and hearty meals. We suggest doubling this recipe so you have a meal you can serve and one to freeze for later.
- My grocery store carries “Cream of Chicken and Mushroom” soup. If you can’t find that combo, you can either use a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup, a can of Cream of Chicken Soup, or make a Cream Soup Substitute.
- For best texture, we cook the macaroni to al dente, as it will continue to cook and soften in the oven.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup, or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
- pepper
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese more, if needed, to cover the casserole
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Boil the macaroni according to the directions on the package and drain.
- Use a large skillet to brown the ground beef. Add the chili powder, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, stir the cream of chicken mushroom soup, tomato sauce, and corn. Add it to the skillet with the hamburger.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes of bake time, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top and finish baking the casserole.
Video
Notes
- Casseroles are famous for being quick, easy, and hearty meals. We suggest doubling this recipe so you have a meal you can serve and one to freeze for later.
- Our grocery store carries “Cream of Chicken and Mushroom” soup. If you can’t find that combo, you can either use a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup, a can of Cream of Chicken Soup, or make a Cream Soup Substitute.
- For best texture, we cook the macaroni to al dente, as it will continue to cook and soften in the oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
We recommend boiling the noodles just to al dente. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for 3-6 months. Thaw the hamburger casserole before topping with cheese and baking.
The unbaked casserole can be prepped the day before, covered, and stored in the refrigerator. Place it on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container (s) in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for 203 months. Use the oven to reheat larger portions. Smaller portions can be heated in the microwave.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Cheesy Garlic Bread
20 mins
Olive Garden Breadsticks
2 hrs 27 mins
Fried Zucchini
25 mins
Baked Parmesan Asparagus
25 mins
Desserts
Chocolate Delight Recipe
54 mins
No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
4 hrs 15 mins
Scotcheroos Recipe
20 mins
Frosted Brownies
32 mins
Pasta Casseroles
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This recipe was originally published October 2020.
So good! I took this to my church potluck tonight and it was demolished. Very filling and now in my rotation, thank you!
Oh that makes us so happy to hear!! You’re welcome!