This hamburger casserole is like eating a cheeseburger with pasta. Made on the stovetop in one pot and in under 30 minutes. Yes, the pasta cooks in the same pan. Absolute comfort food with great taste and minimal effort.
Table of Content
Have you ever wondered what to make with the ground beef in your fridge? Chances are you already have all the ingredients you need for this recipe.
I always have ground beef on hand, which is why I share plenty of ground beef recipes with you. And yet, I'm always looking for ideas on how to make it different so I can add variety for my family. And this casserole dish is always a winner no matter how often we make it.
Why make this casserole?
- Do you like hamburgers? Well, then, this dish is like eating a hamburger with pasta. It's got ground beef, hamburger flavor, and lots of cheese.
- The recipe is super simple and easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
- Everything goes in one pan, even the pasta! So it's an easy cleanup.
- We make it on the stovetop so no need to preheat the oven.
- I am using ground beef but ground chicken or ground turkey would work too. In fact, I have tried a combination of ground beef and lamb, and it is an absolute winner.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Beef - I like using lean ground beef for this recipe. Unlike hamburgers, the tomato sauce in this dish prevents it from drying out.
- Pasta - I am using penne, but any pasta or noodles would work for this dish.
- Tomatoes - I am using a combination of crushed canned tomatoes and tomato paste. But, you can also use 2 cups of prepared marinara sauce. In fact, if I have fresh tomato marinara on hand I love using that in this recipe.
- Herbs - Oregano, thyme, parsley make a wonderful combination in this recipe.
- Cheese - My favorite for this is a combination of different types of cheddar cheese with a little Parmesan. And if you like it more cheesy, you can also add some Mozzarella.
Ground beef casserole recipe
- In a saute pan, over medium heat, add the oil and saute onions until translucent.
Pro tip - For making this casserole, use a large skillet or pan that will accommodate the finished dish with a fitted lid. - Then, add the ground beef and saute until the meat is no longer pink making sure to break the meat into smaller pieces. Next, add the garlic, followed by the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Combine well.
Pro tip - Browning adds a nice caramelization and flavor. But do not overcook as it will dry the meat making it chewy.
- Next, add the mustard, ketchup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Followed by the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
Pro tip - This may look like a lot of liquid but it will be absorbed by the dry uncooked pasta. - Add the dry uncooked pasta and combine well. Make sure the pasta is all tucked under the ground beef mixture so it cooks evenly. Bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dante. Stirring in between as necessary.
Pro tip - We want the pasta slightly undercooked at this point because it will continue to cook further with the cheese.
- Open the pan, add the parsley. Stir well. Sprinkle the three different kinds of cheese on top of the pasta.
Pro tip - Make sure the pasta is moist, not dry. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of water over the pasta and combine well. - Cover again and cook on low until the cheese has melted for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
What do you serve with this casserole?
- Parmesan asparagus or Sesame green beans
- Kale quiche - Swiss chard quiche
- Spinach potato patties or carrot zucchini fritters
- Crispy corn fritters or kidney bean patties
Variations - this is so versatile!
- Pizza casserole- If you prefer to bake this in the oven you can prepare the ground beef sauce, boil the pasta and then layer in with riccota cream cheese in a baking dish similar to lasagna. Bake for 15 minutes at 400F/200C/
- Rice casserole - if you are not in the mood for pasta, you can also use partially cooked rice and layer it with grated cheese and ground beef in a bakind dish.
- Noodle Casserole - Use parboiled egg noodles instead of pasta or rice.
- Potato casserole - Place the ground beef in a casserole dish. Top with mashed potato, sour cream, and grated cheese. This is similar to a Shepherd's pie.
More ground beef recipes
- Ground beef Tacos, Beef Enchilada Pasta
- Ground Beef Casserole with Cheddar Biscuits
- Best Juicy Beef Burgers
- Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Skillet Lasagna - One Pot Beef Lasagna
- Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce
- Lasagna with Ricotta, Baked Penne Pasta Lasagna
- Ground Beef Recipes
Frequently asked questions
How long will this casserole keep?
This casserole will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. In fact, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to a month.
Can I bake this casserole?
I am making this on the stovetop, but you could bake it in the oven as well. Once you add the pasta, bake it covered for 35 minutes at 350F/177C/Gas Mark 4. Then, top with cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the top layer is golden.
What do you serve with this casserole?
This already has meat and starch in it so it is pretty much a full meal. But, a side dish, salad, and bread or homemade biscuits make a great addition.
What bread should I serve with this casserole?
My favorite to serve with this are my parmesan garlic knots, No-knead olive bread, No-knead beer bread, or rosemary focaccia.
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Printable Recipe
Hamburger Casserole
Print Pin Rate Share by Email Share on FB Save GrowCalories: 564kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 6 servings
Description
This hamburger casserole is like eating a cheeseburger with pasta. Made on the stovetop in one pot and in under 30 minutes. Yes, the pasta cooks in the same pan. Absolute comfort food with minimal effort.
Video
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Ground beef (lean)
- 8 oz (226 g) Pasta ((penne or similar) )
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Garlic clove (finely chopped)
- 15 oz (425 g) Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- ½ cup (8 tablespoon) Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon Mustard paste
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Oregano (dried )
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) Chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) Water (or broth)
- 2 cup (226 g) Cheese (grated - cheddar, )
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan
- ½ cup Mozarella (grated)
- 2 tablespoon Parsley (finely chopped )
Instructions
- Then, add the ground beef and saute until the meat is no longer pink making sure to break the meat into smaller pieces. Next, add the garlic, followed by the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Combine well. Pro tip - Browning adds a nice caramelization and flavor but do not overcook as it will dry the meat making it chewy.
- Next, add the mustard, ketchup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Followed by the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil. Pro tip - This may look like a lot of liquid but it will be absorbed by the dry uncooked pasta.
- Add the dry uncooked pasta and combine well. Make sure the pasta is all tucked under the liquid so it cooks evenly. Bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dante. Stirring in between as necessary. Pro tip - We want the pasta slightly undercooked at this point because it will continue to cook further with the cheese.
- Open the pan, add the parsley. Stir well. Sprinkle the three different cheesees on top of the pasta. Pro tip - Make sure the pasta is moist, not dry. If necessary add a few tablespoons of water over the pasta and combine well.
- Cover again and cook on low until the cheese has melted about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use lean ground beef so the casserole does not become too greasy.
- Caramelize the ground beef well, it adds a nice flavor to the dish
- Cook the pasta slightly uncooked before you add the cheese so it does not become too soft after the cheese has melted.
- This casserole will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing - this casserole can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
- Reheating casserole - I like to place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish covered with a wet paper towel. Heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. The steam created by the hot paper towel helps revive the pasta - just like freshly made pasta. Try it.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 564- kcalCarbohydrates: 42- gProtein: 32- gFat: 30- gSaturated Fat: 15- gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1- gMonounsaturated Fat: 11- gTrans Fat: 1- gCholesterol: 96- mgSodium: 1298- mgPotassium: 851- mgFiber: 4- gSugar: 9- gVitamin A: 1064- IUVitamin C: 17- mgCalcium: 403- mgIron: 4- mg
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Shirley
Hamburger Casserole in directions indicates 3 cheeses, but ingredients only lists 2. Please clarify. Thank you!
Veena Azmanov
Hey Shirley, Yes, you can use 1/2 cup mozzarella too! thanks
Jacqueline Debono
This hamburger casserole looks like the perfect weeknight meal, everything cooked in one pan and ready to serve pretty quickly. On my to make list!
Marisa F Stewart
The minute I saw your description of cheeseburger with pasta I knew that this recipe was exactly what my family would love. I made it on Friday and there wasn't anything left - I'd hoped to have some for lunch the following day. I'm in the process of making it again. This is a great recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much, Marisa, for the lovely feedback. I am so happy your family enjoyed this so much.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
What is not to like in this recipe. this is perfect for kids or adults and love the flavors in the recipe. And the best part is, this feeds a crowd!!
AISilva
You had me after the first few lines. My whole family loves pasta and they also love ground beef. Especially the kids. Everyone will love this dish. I'll be making it soon!