Hamburger Casserole

This hamburger casserole is cozy, cheesy comfort food that comes together with just a few pantry staples. Tender pasta shells are mixed with saucy ground beef and tomato soup, then topped with loads of melted cheddar and mozzarella. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and is ready in under an hour, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily tweak the seasonings to match your family’s taste and serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread on the side. Leftovers reheat really well, so it’s great for next-day lunches too.

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, salt, and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, brown and chop the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with garlic, salt, pepper (or any seasoning of your choice).
4. Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, 1/2 cup water, and HALF of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes over medium heat.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. (Optional: Turn the broiler on for the last 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.)
8. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 8

Tips

For extra flavor, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella in the “half of the cheese” step so both cheeses melt through the casserole, not just on top.

If the casserole seems a bit thick after baking, you can stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating leftovers to bring back some creaminess.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbows will work—just cook according to the package directions.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely; stir in peas, corn, or finely chopped bell peppers with the pasta and sauce for extra color and nutrition.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to bake, add about 5–10 extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef—just season well since they’re a bit milder in flavor.

Does it freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole (cooled completely) in a freezer-safe dish; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat covered until hot and bubbly.