4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole (Quick & Easy) Recipe
Introduction
This 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines ground beef, pasta, and cheesy tomato soup for a comforting dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb) box medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, brown and chop the ground beef. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, water, and half of the cheese to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. For a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting casserole.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef while browning for extra flavor and texture.
- Use your favorite pasta shape if medium shells are not available; elbow macaroni or penne work well too.
- Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a mild or spicy twist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions until warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze this hamburger casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella provide great flavor and meltiness, but you can substitute with any cheese you enjoy, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Print4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole (Quick & Easy) Recipe
This 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, creamy tomato soup, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a delicious, cheesy bake that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (1 lb) box medium pasta shells
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Other
- 2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
- 1/2 cup water
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Chop the beef as it cooks to break it into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, water, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat to combine flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. For a golden brown cheese top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately while hot and cheesy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using medium pasta shells helps hold the sauce and meat mixture well.
- Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers with the beef for extra flavor.
- Broiling the top cheese is optional but adds a nice golden crust.
- Leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
Keywords: 4 ingredient casserole, hamburger casserole, quick dinner, easy pasta bake, cheesy casserole, comfort food, weeknight meal
