Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While shell pasta is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the shape, so check your pasta package for specific cooking instructions and aim for al dente.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

There are several ways to lighten this dish. Try using whole wheat pasta for more fiber, ground turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat dairy products. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped spinach to the meat mixture – they'll blend right in!

My casserole seems too dry/too wet. What went wrong?

If your casserole is too dry, you might have overcooked the pasta or drained the tomatoes too thoroughly. Next time, cook the pasta just until al dente and reserve some pasta water to add if needed. If too wet, make sure to drain the tomatoes well, and let the casserole rest the full 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set up properly.

Can I prepare this casserole without meat?

Definitely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and a can of drained, rinsed lentils for a hearty meatless option. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you'll still get that satisfying, comforting casserole experience.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Name: Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred); ½ cup diced onion; ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (drained, 1 can); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 ounces dry shell pasta (½ box); 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature and cut into cubes, 1 brick); ½ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick); ½ cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley (optional)

This irresistible Hamburger Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy pasta into one heartwarming dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of savory beef, velvety pasta, and melted cheese, this casserole transforms humble ingredients into a comforting meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Ready in just an hour, it’s a fantastic way to bring the family together around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly: This casserole has that classic flavor combination that both kids and adults go crazy for. The creamy pasta, savory beef, and melty cheese create a dish that disappears quickly!
Perfect Comfort Food: When you need something warm and satisfying, this casserole delivers with its layers of creamy pasta and seasoned beef.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat – perfect for those hectic weeknights when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish means less cleanup and a complete meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that adds richness and heartiness. Lean beef is preferred to minimize grease, but regular works fine too – just drain well.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These aromatics add wonderful flavor and a touch of sweetness. They also sneak in some vegetables for the veggie-resistant family members.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable depth of flavor that makes everything taste better. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy acidity and moisture. Make sure to drain them well to prevent a watery casserole.
Tomato Paste: The secret ingredient that concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend that adds herbal notes and saves you from measuring multiple spices.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds a complex umami flavor that makes the beef taste even beefier.
Shell Pasta: The perfect shape for catching all that creamy sauce. The shells cradle little pockets of flavor in every bite.
Cream Cheese: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this casserole irresistible. Make sure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the dish. Full-fat provides the best texture.
Butter: Brings everything together with rich flavor and silky texture.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The cheddar brings sharpness while mozzarella provides that perfect cheese pull. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre-packaged.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Veggie-Packed Version

Transform this casserole into a nutrient powerhouse by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture. The veggies blend beautifully with the sauce, and even vegetable skeptics might not notice them.

Mexican-Inspired Twist

Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add a can of drained corn and black beans to the meat mixture, and top with Mexican cheese blend. Serve with avocado slices and sour cream for a south-of-the-border flavor experience.

Lighter Option

Use ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream. You’ll still get that comforting casserole experience with fewer calories.

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture for those who enjoy heat. The creamy pasta balances the spice perfectly.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Have your ingredients measured and ready to go – this makes the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Remove it with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess fat. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers in the remaining fat until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Return the beef to the skillet and stir in drained tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pasta

While the meat sauce simmers, cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Spread half of the creamy pasta in your prepared baking dish, then top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers with remaining ingredients. Sprinkle the top with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to get that perfectly golden, slightly crispy cheese top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set up properly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it a minute less than the package directions since it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.
Room Temperature Dairy: Make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Layer with Purpose: The layering technique ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy pasta and savory meat sauce.
Rest Before Serving: Those 10 minutes of resting time are crucial! It allows the casserole to set up properly so it holds together when served.
Cheese Strategy: Save a little cheese to sprinkle on halfway through baking for the perfect cheese layer that doesn’t get too browned.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce.

For a Complete Meal

Add a simple vegetable side like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or buttered green beans to round out the meal nutritionally and add color to your plate.

Presentation Tips

Serve this casserole in the baking dish at the table for family-style dining, or portion individual servings onto warmed plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a restaurant-quality finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the ingredients meld together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or place the casserole back in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake from frozen by adding about 50% more cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While shell pasta is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the shape, so check your pasta package for specific cooking instructions and aim for al dente.
How can I make this casserole healthier?

There are several ways to lighten this dish. Try using whole wheat pasta for more fiber, ground turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat dairy products. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped spinach to the meat mixture – they’ll blend right in!
My casserole seems too dry/too wet. What went wrong?

If your casserole is too dry, you might have overcooked the pasta or drained the tomatoes too thoroughly. Next time, cook the pasta just until al dente and reserve some pasta water to add if needed. If too wet, make sure to drain the tomatoes well, and let the casserole rest the full 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set up properly.
Can I prepare this casserole without meat?

Definitely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and a can of drained, rinsed lentils for a hearty meatless option. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that satisfying, comforting casserole experience.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Casserole is truly one of those reliable recipes that belongs in every home cook’s collection. It strikes that perfect balance between comfort and convenience, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that will provide delicious leftovers, this casserole delivers every time. The combination of savory beef, creamy pasta, and gooey cheese creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your baking dish, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderfully satisfying dish!