Hamburger Casserole is one of those easy dinners we grew up on… simple ingredients, one pan, and it feeds everyone without a lot of work. It’s got seasoned ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, corn, tender macaroni, and a cheesy top that bakes up melty and bubbly.
We love this recipe for busy weeknights because it’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and makes great leftovers. It’s the kind of casserole you can throw together, pop in the oven, and call it dinner.
For more favorite casseroles, be sure to check out: Spaghetti Casserole, Cheeseburger Casserole and Taco Casserole.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Pantry staples. Easy comfort-food casserole made with pantry staples.
- Everyone loves it! Family-friendly, kid-approved flavors.
- Cream soup makes it creamy. The condensed soup adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
- Cheese added at the end stays melty. Sprinkling cheese during the last part of baking keeps it gooey instead of over-baked.
Hamburger Casserole Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and makes the casserole filling. Use ground turkey or chicken instead, or substitute half the ground beef with ground sausage.
- Cream of chicken and mushroom soup or cream of mushroom (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Creates a creamy base and helps everything bind together.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds tomato flavor and moisture for the sauce.
- Corn, drained (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds sweetness and texture. Other vegetables you could use are peas, sautéed green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a little depth. To turn up the heat, add extra chili powder, red chili flakes, or top with hot sauce.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Adds herb flavor that pairs well with the tomato base.
- Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Seasons the casserole quickly and adds extra savory flavor.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a little bite and balances richness.
- Macaroni noodles (2 cups, uncooked): Classic pasta shape that holds sauce and bakes well. Use another similar-sized pasta such as small shells, egg noodles, small penne, or rotini.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, plus more if needed): Melts on top for a cheesy finish. 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
- Cook macaroni just to al dente so it doesn’t get too soft after baking.
- Drain grease from the beef so the casserole isn’t oily.
- Taste the meat mixture before baking and adjust garlic salt and pepper as needed.
- Add cheese near the end so it melts perfectly without drying out.
- Let it rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets up and scoops easier.
- 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.
Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Video
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.
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!