If you're looking for an easy, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor, this Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the perfect recipe. Featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick to put together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations to make this comforting casserole a regular part of your dinner rotation!
What Is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a baked dish made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with cheese and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This casserole is reminiscent of a homemade version of a hamburger helper or cheesy baked pasta but with extra flavor and heartiness. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers are just as delicious!
Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a combination)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat Options: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic for casseroles, but you can switch it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharper cheese like Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: For a creamier casserole, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese or a little more sour cream.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl (or in the skillet if it’s large enough), combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Too Much Liquid: Drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid making the casserole watery. If the beef mixture seems too thin, allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken before combining it with the pasta.
- Not Enough Seasoning: Casseroles can sometimes taste bland if underseasoned, so be sure to taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with some simple sides to round out the meal. Pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a complete comfort food dinner, you can also serve it with mashed potatoes on the side.
Presentation Ideas for Casseroles
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions at the table.
- Individual Portions: Scoop the casserole into individual bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra cheese.
- Toppings: You can add extra toppings like crispy fried onions, crushed crackers, or even tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.
Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Simply prepare the pasta and beef mixture, then assemble the casserole in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if starting from cold.
- Freezer-Friendly: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking it, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe is easily doubled if you’re serving a crowd. Simply use a larger baking dish or split it between two dishes, and bake both at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work well in this casserole. Just be sure to cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
2. Can I make this casserole without canned soup?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade white sauce or béchamel using butter, flour, and milk. Simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 1 cup of milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then use in place of the cream soup.
3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or cover it with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based ground meat or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or lentils, for a hearty substitute.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a family-friendly dish that’s packed with cheesy, creamy, and beefy goodness. It’s easy to make, comes together in one dish, and is perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this comforting casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the delicious flavors of this hearty, cheesy favorite!
PrintEasy Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
This easy hamburger supreme casserole recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Baked to perfection, this family-friendly dish is ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni (or other pasta)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta and ground beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
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