
This hearty cheesy hamburger casserole has been my go-to dinner recipe for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying that everyone will devour without complaints. The combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese creates the ultimate comfort food that disappears quickly at my table.
I first created this casserole when my sister and her family came over unexpectedly, and I needed to stretch a pound of ground beef to feed everyone. It was such a hit that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering, especially during the colder months.
Ingredients
- Ground beef. The foundation of flavor in this dish. Look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Onion. Adds essential aromatic flavor. Choose yellow onions for their sweet undertones when cooked.
- Pasta. Creates the hearty base. I recommend medium shells or elbow macaroni as they catch the sauce perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes. Adds acidity and brightness. San Marzano variety offers superior flavor if available.
- Cream of mushroom soup. Creates a creamy binding sauce without extra work. The concentrated flavor boosts the overall dish.
- Cheddar cheese. Forms that irresistible golden top. Select sharp cheddar for the most pronounced flavor.
- Garlic powder. Infuses subtle garlic flavor throughout. Fresh garlic works too but powder distributes more evenly.
- Italian seasoning. Adds herbal depth with minimal effort. Toast the dried herbs briefly in your palm before adding to release more flavor.
- Salt and pepper. Enhances all other flavors. Use kosher salt for better control over seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the casserole to heat through evenly while developing a perfect golden cheese topping without burning. Use this time to grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Brown the Meat and Onions
- Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat for about 7 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. The onions should become translucent and the beef should no longer show any pink color. This step builds the savory foundation of your casserole.
- Create the Sauce Mixture
- After draining excess fat from the skillet, add the diced tomatoes with their juice, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until everything is well combined and heated through, about 3 minutes. The mixture should have a thick, saucy consistency.
- Combine with Pasta
- Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and fold it gently into the meat sauce. Ensure every piece of pasta gets coated with the sauce. This step may require a bit of patience and a large spoon to incorporate everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Assemble and Top
- Transfer the entire mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect cheesy crust everyone loves.
- Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it is done when the cheese has completely melted, turned golden brown in spots, and the edges are bubbling. These visual cues indicate the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much easier. The casserole will still be plenty hot after this short rest.

The cream of mushroom soup is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always used it in her casseroles, and I love carrying on this tradition. The first time I made this for my own children, watching their faces light up with the first bite brought back memories of sitting at her kitchen table, enjoying the same comforting flavors.
Make It Your Own
This casserole welcomes customization based on what you have on hand or your family preferences. Try swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant based ground products work surprisingly well too. The cream of mushroom soup can be replaced with cream of chicken or even cream of celery for different flavor profiles. Whatever variation you choose, keep the proportions similar to maintain the perfect consistency.
Storage and Reheating
Once cooled, this casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2 minutes. For longer storage, freeze portioned servings wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Veggie Boost Options
While delicious as written, this casserole provides the perfect opportunity to sneak in extra vegetables. Finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can be added when cooking the onions. Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in with the pasta. For mushroom lovers, sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth of flavor. These additions not only boost nutrition but add wonderful texture contrasts to each bite.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast. Steamed broccoli or green beans complement the dish perfectly. For casual gatherings, serve with garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A glass of medium bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti makes this humble casserole feel like a special occasion meal for the adults at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitutes all work well for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → What other pasta types can I use?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni works perfectly and holds the sauce well.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when you're ready to serve.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve it with a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.