The Coziest Hamburger Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful hamburger casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish that combines familiar ingredients with surprising flavors.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with creamy textures and crisp vegetables.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together after a long day.

Cheese adds a melty richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Families will gather around the table, eager to savor each delicious spoonful.

Tips for Juicy Hamburger Casserole

• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the ground beef for richer, more complex taste.
• Replace frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal vegetables for crunchier texture and enhanced nutrition.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent runny consistency.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it continues cooking in the casserole to prevent mushiness.
• Use ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor.

Hamburger Casserole Variations for Variety

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Casserole: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make the dish celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meatless version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that still delivers robust taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and swap tomato sauce with Greek-style seasonings to transform the classic casserole into a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ideas for Serving Hamburger Casserole

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add fresh nutrients to the meal.
• Comfort Food Pairing: Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls work perfectly to soak up the delicious sauce and complete this satisfying one-dish wonder.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Sprinkle some extra cheese on top after baking and let kids add their favorite toppings like sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for personalized fun.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunch prep or reheat gently in the microwave for a tasty next-day meal that tastes just as good as fresh.

Leftover Hamburger Casserole Storage Tips

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack the cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor and protein source.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, vegetables, and cheese makes this casserole appealing to children, and you can adjust spices to suit their taste preferences.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Choose lean ground beef, use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables, and opt for low-fat cheese to create a more nutritious version of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole without baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Hamburger Casserole: Weeknight Wonder

• Devour Family-Friendly Comfort: A hearty casserole that brings everyone together around the dinner table with zero fuss.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making this recipe super flexible for last-minute meal planning.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes, simple cooking steps, and a complete meal prepared in a single skillet before baking, saving precious kitchen cleanup time.
• Nutrient-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Loaded with protein from ground beef, vegetables for extra nutrition, and cheesy goodness that kids and adults will absolutely love.

Hamburger Casserole Pantry Checklist

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the casserole.

• Pasta: The base ingredient that adds substance and helps bind the casserole together.

• Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Onion: Add nutritional value and create a balanced, colorful dish with complementary flavors.

• Pasta Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Contribute a tangy and robust tomato base that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and traditional Italian-inspired seasoning.

• Shredded Cheddar Mozzarella Blend: Creates a melty, golden-brown crust that adds creamy richness to the dish.

Hamburger Casserole, Start to Finish

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and set the pasta aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

Step 2: Brown Tasty Meat Mixture

In a large skillet, sizzle ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown and onions become translucent.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Pasta sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the rich, savory sauce.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern hamburger casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delicious dish. Simple ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that connects generations through classic home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini or medium pasta
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 small onion, diced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) pasta sauce
• 14 ounces (397 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar mozzarella blend

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat oven to 350F (175C).
3. Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Eliminate excess grease.
4. Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Fold cooked pasta into meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar mozzarella cheese blend generously over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set the casserole.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and fiber.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Italian mix to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Use gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg