Are you in search of a hearty, easy-to-make dish that the entire family will love? Look no further than this Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe! Combining seasoned ground beef, creamy layers of sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Whether you're preparing a weeknight meal or feeding a crowd, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Read on to discover everything you need to know to whip up this delightful casserole from start to finish!
What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that layers seasoned ground beef with pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and cheese, all baked to perfection. This recipe combines the savory flavors of a traditional hamburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a casserole. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s also incredibly easy to customize, making it a favorite for busy households.
Ingredients List for Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Before you start, gather the following ingredients for your Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef – You can use lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor to the beef mixture.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – Green, red, or yellow peppers work well.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic enhances the savory flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Choose fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – This adds a creamy texture to the casserole.
- 2 cups pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) – You can use your favorite pasta.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – A sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – For a bit of an Italian twist.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil – Complements the tomato-based sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – To taste.
- Salt to taste – Season the meat as it cooks.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the veggies.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, cheesy topping.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways you can adapt the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Ground meat substitutes: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Pasta options: While elbow macaroni or rotini work great, you can also use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even egg noodles.
- Add vegetables: Want to up the nutrition? Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to bulk up the dish with more veggies.
- Cheese choices: Try swapping cheddar and mozzarella with Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Spicy variation: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process step by step. Follow these instructions to create a Hamburger Supreme Casserole that’s sure to impress!
1. Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
5. Add the tomatoes and seasoning:
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including juices), can of tomato sauce, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Combine the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Assemble the casserole:
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about half a cup) over the top. Then add the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese.
8. Add the final cheese layer:
Top the casserole with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that final, melty, cheesy layer.
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let it rest:
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick recap of the process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta until al dente and drain.
- Brown the ground beef and sauté the veggies.
- Simmer the sauce with diced tomatoes and seasoning.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and sour cream.
- Assemble in layers, adding cheese in between.
- Top with mozzarella and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let it rest, then serve and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Hamburger Supreme Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, make sure to boil it to an al dente texture to avoid mushiness.
- Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the fat from the beef can make the casserole too greasy.
- Skipping the cheese layers: Cheese is key to the "supreme" part of this casserole, so don’t skimp on it.
- Not allowing it to cool before serving: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest will help it hold together better when you cut it.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Hamburger Supreme Casserole, consider these tips to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Serve in generous squares: Use a spatula to cut neat squares for a clean, visually appealing serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top to add color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can complement the rich, cheesy casserole beautifully.
- Garlic bread on the side: A slice of warm garlic bread or dinner rolls pairs perfectly with this dish.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Want to elevate your presentation? Try these creative ideas:
- Individual portions: Bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch.
- Layered glass dish: Use a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful layers of pasta, beef, and cheese.
- Top with crispy onions: Add a crunchy topping like crispy fried onions just before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a hit every time:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating leftovers: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any small pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti will work. Just make sure it's cooked al dente before baking.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Can I make this casserole spicy?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your canned tomato products and spices are gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make it your own with fun substitutions, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintEasy Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
This easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe combines ground beef, pasta, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings for a hearty family meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is simple yet flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups pasta (penne or elbow)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, pasta, soup, tomatoes, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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