Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to hearty, family-friendly meals, casseroles reign supreme. The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping. It’s a dish that combines simplicity with satisfying flavors, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

This easy-to-make casserole is a one-pan meal that leaves everyone at the table feeling happy and full. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments based on personal taste or what you have on hand in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare: The casserole comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have at home.
2. Kid-Approved: The cheesy, meaty flavors are a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
3. Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
4. Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies for a unique twist.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or feeding a large family.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

For the Beef Layer

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta Layer

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for added flavor)

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) or panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, tossing the cooked pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and mustard powder until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Layer the cooked macaroni on the bottom of the dish.
• Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the pasta.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the beef layer, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

5. Add the Topping

• In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
• Top with shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

6. Bake

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Supreme Casserole

1. Drain Excess Grease: After cooking the ground beef, remove as much grease as possible to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect how it melts. Shred your own for a creamier sauce.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
4. Customize the Topping: Swap crackers for breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even fried onions for different textures.
5. Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations

1. Protein Substitutes

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter option that works beautifully with the same seasonings.
• Plant-Based: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian twist.

2. Add More Veggies

• Sneak in finely chopped zucchini, spinach, or carrots for added nutrition.

3. Spice It Up

• Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

4. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and substitute the flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with simple sides for a more balanced meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Hamburger Supreme Casserole combines classic comfort food elements—savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—into a single dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Its layers of flavor and texture make it a recipe that appeals to all ages, while its simplicity ensures it fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, 

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the noodles and set them aside.
• Brown the Ground Beef:
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.
• Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Season the Beef:
• Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
• Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
• Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Whisk until smooth.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked egg noodles in an even layer.
• Top with half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, creamy sauce, and cheddar cheese.
• Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Bake the Casserole:
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Garnish and Serve:
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Keyword dinner recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or shells work well and hold the sauce beautifully.

3. How do I prevent a dry casserole?

Make sure the cheese sauce fully covers the beef and pasta layers, and don’t overbake.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a timeless dish that’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavors your whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of ultimate comfort!