As a parent of three daughters who had their fair share of food preferences, my mom had a go-to list of weeknight meals that ensured a peaceful dinner table. One of our all-time favorites was Hamburger Helper Lasagna—a quick and easy stovetop dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce. While undeniably tasty, it contained more sodium and preservatives than she would have preferred.
If only I could introduce her to this unbelievably simple yet satisfying 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole! Not only does it require just four pantry-friendly ingredients, but it also serves as a fantastic base for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes with additional toppings or mix-ins.
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What Is Hamburger Casserole?
If you love Baked Ziti or Johnny Marzetti Casserole, this easy dinner idea will be a hit. Created by Allrecipes user LaDonna L., a self-proclaimed Italian food enthusiast, this 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is quick to prepare and requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time before baking to perfection.
This dish combines the heartiness of ground beef with pasta, shredded mozzarella, and a unique secret ingredient—tomato soup! The result? A rich, cheesy, and ultra-comforting meal that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) tomato soup
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato soup and cooked pasta, mixing until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Customization Ideas
While this casserole is delicious as-is, it also serves as a fantastic base recipe for personal touches. Try adding one or more of these mix-ins:
- Crunchy Additions: Crumbled bacon, crispy fried onions, or toasted breadcrumbs.
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, or pickled onions.
- Spice It Up: Sliced jalapeños, banana peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Savory Twists: Diced olives, diced pepperoni, or roasted eggplant.
FAQ
Q. Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Q. Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! After assembling, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Q. What can I serve with hamburger casserole?
A: Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Q. Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own spin, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!