One-Pot Hamburger Casserole
Try this cheesy and satisfying hamburger casserole that combines the best of both worlds – pasta and ground beef – in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Hamburger casserole, a classic comfort food dish, combines the simplicity of ground beef with the heartiness of pasta, all baked together in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with cheese. This dish is beloved for its ease of preparation, making it a go-to option for busy families. Its versatility allows for endless variations, from adding vegetables to experimenting with different spices and cheeses, making it adaptable to individual tastes. Hamburger casserole’s popularity stems from its affordability, comforting nature, and ability to please both kids and adults alike. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals, this dish has earned its place as a timeless favorite on dinner tables everywhere.
Why make this casserole?
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: With classic flavors and ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein option, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe budget-friendly.
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is warm, filling, and comforting, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a hearty meal.
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, and 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.
Step-by-step: 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 sauté until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it 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 it, 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. And bring to a boil.
Pro tip – This may look like a lot of liquid, but it will be absorbed by the dry, uncooked pasta. - Next, add the dry, uncooked pasta and combine well. Make sure the pasta is all tucked under the ground beef mixture so it cooks evenly. And bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Then, cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dente. 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 and 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!
- 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
- 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 350°F/177°C/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. However, a side dish, salad, and bread or homemade biscuits make a great addition.
What bread should I serve with this casserole?
My favorites to serve with this are my Parmesan garlic knots, No-knead olive bread, No-knead beer bread, or rosemary focaccia.
Hamburger Casserole
This hamburger casserole is like eating a cheeseburger with pasta. It's 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
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Ground beef lean
- 8 oz (226 g) Pasta (penne or similar)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ Onion finely chopped
- 1 Garlic clove finely chopped
- 15 oz (425 g) Crushed tomatoes canned
- ½ cup (8 tbsp) Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Mustard paste
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Oregano dried
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp 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 (60 g) Mozarella grated
- 2 tbsp Parsley finely chopped
Method
- 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. However, do not overcook it, as it will dry the meat and make 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 dente. 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 and add the parsley. Stir well. Sprinkle the three different cheeses 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!
Notes
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) will reduce the amount of fat in the dish and prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Hamburger casserole can benefit from a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the casserole for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.
- Precook Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Layer Ingredients: Layering the ingredients, starting with the pasta, then the meat mixture, and finally the cheese, ensures that each bite has a good balance of flavors.
- Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning, then uncover for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Customize Toppings: Consider adding toppings like crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or additional cheese for a crunchy texture on top.
- Make Ahead: Hamburger casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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One of my favourite things to make is hamburger casserole. This one looks right up my alley, I am going to make sure to give it a go this weekend. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Talk about a severe cheese burger craving, then you add in pasta. Total comfort food. I want to hear that crunch of the crispy cheese! Total yum factor here!
Wow! This hamburger casserole is calling my name! It looks so tasty and flavorful! I can’t get enough pasta recipes, and this one looks perfect!
My family could eat this casserole every week, it’s total comfort food for use and easy to make too.
Thank you, Jess. So happy your family enjoyed this.
Your recipe looks and sounds amazing, and the fact that it is a one-pot meal sold me. I’ll be trying it out this week!
Oh wow! My family loved this and loved the twist with pasta! Can’t wait to make this casserole again. Such a huge hit here!
Thank you, Beth. So happy that your family enjoyed this.
This is an awesome kid pleaser! Hamburger with pasta genius idea. Great recipe 🙂
Oh man – I’m a HUGE burger fan and I can’t believe I never thought of doing this before!
Mmmmm, comfort food at its best! I love everything about this dish! I love that it only takes 30 minutes! Thanks for the recipe!
This is my new favorite casserole recipe! So tasty and easy to make!
Thank you, Jo
This is my kind of recipe, easy to make, one pot, cheese pasta, a delicious sauce and ground beef. My family loved. We will be making it over and over again.
Thank you, Silvia. I am so happy to hear that.