Cheesy Hambuger Casserole Bake

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

A Comfort Food Classic Your Whole Family Will Love!

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is the ultimate in easy, hearty comfort food. It’s made with ground beef, tender pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese—all baked into a bubbly, golden casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this dish is warm, filling, and irresistibly cheesy.

Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (85% lean or similar)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or basil

Extra cheese for topping

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl (or right in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and sour cream (if using). Stir to coat evenly.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips

Make it creamy: Mix in sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for a smoother texture.

Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then bake when ready (add 10 minutes to bake time if cold).

Freeze for later: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake until heated through.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Casserole

Undercook the Pasta Slightly

Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package recommends. It will finish cooking in the oven and stay perfectly al dente.

Drain the Beef Well

After browning the ground beef, drain excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Shredding your own results in creamier, gooier layers.

Let it Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so the layers settle. This makes serving cleaner and more flavorful.

Double the Recipe for Meal Prep

It freezes and reheats well—make one for now and freeze one for later.

Cover with Foil If Browning Too Fast

If the top is getting too golden before the center is hot, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Upgrades

Add cream cheese or ricotta to the meat sauce for extra creaminess.

Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a melty blend.

Sauce Swaps

Want a more tangy flavor? Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste to the meat sauce.

Prefer a creamier casserole? Use a béchamel sauce or mix marinara with a bit of heavy cream.

Add Hidden Veggies

Mix in finely chopped veggies like carrots, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms—great for picky eaters!

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat or sauce for heat.

Protein Substitutes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.

Bacon Cheeseburger Style

Stir in cooked, chopped bacon and top with pickles after baking for a “bacon cheeseburger” twist.

Tex-Mex Version

Add taco seasoning, a can of drained black beans, and a handful of corn for a Mexican-inspired casserole. Top with cheddar and crushed tortilla chips before baking.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed—add about 10 minutes if baking cold.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Definitely. After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, uncovering for the last 10–15 minutes.

Q: What pasta works best?

A: Short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or shells work best—they hold onto the sauce and cheese well.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, and they both work great with the same seasonings and sauce.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

A: Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be cooked with the meat or stirred in before baking.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving, based on 6 servings)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is a tried-and-true dinner hero—easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors. It combines the nostalgia of mom’s cooking with the convenience of a one-pan bake, all wrapped up in gooey, melted cheese.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or just need a reliable weeknight winner, this dish checks every box: hearty, family-friendly, and budget-conscious. Customize it to your liking, make it ahead, and don’t be surprised if everyone goes back for seconds.