Looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love? The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the perfect answer! This classic comfort food combines savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta, all baked to golden perfection. It's ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Stick around to learn how to make this delicious recipe, and you'll have a new go-to meal to satisfy any hunger. Don't forget to read through the entire recipe for pro tips, variations, and serving ideas that will make this dish truly your own!
What is a “Hamburger Supreme Casserole”?
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that combines the flavors of a traditional hamburger with the heartiness of a casserole. It typically consists of seasoned ground beef, pasta or potatoes, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese. The combination of savory meat, creamy sauces, and a crispy topping creates a comforting meal that is easy to customize. Whether you want to switch up the ingredients or add your favorite flavors, this casserole is flexible, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
To make the perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients. These are the essentials that create the rich, flavorful layers of this dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, depending on your preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work well)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for added crunch)
Additional Ingredients for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Here are some optional but flavorful ingredients to take your Hamburger Supreme Casserole to the next level:
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans for added veggies and color
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy punch
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a richer tomato base
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, if you like spicy
- Cooked bacon crumbles to sprinkle over the top for added texture and flavor
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of the Hamburger Supreme Casserole is that it’s highly adaptable. Whether you're working with dietary restrictions or simply looking to change things up, here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. The texture and flavor are slightly different but equally delicious.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Make sure all other ingredients, like the cream of mushroom soup, are also labeled gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a meatless ground beef alternative or crumbled tofu. Add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to give it a hearty bite.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version of this casserole. You'll still get all the rich, cheesy goodness without the added carbs.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. For a sharper flavor, try a mix of cheddar and Gruyère.
- Potato Twist: Instead of pasta, use sliced potatoes or frozen hash browns to turn this into a “Hamburger Potato Casserole.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. Follow these steps for a flawless Hamburger Supreme Casserole that will wow your family and friends:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add the aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Mix in the sauce ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Combine with pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, sour cream, and milk. Stir everything together until fully coated.
- Layer in the baking dish: Spread half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the remaining mixture on top and finish with the last cup of cheddar cheese.
- Add breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let it rest: Once cooked, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this dish is straightforward, but attention to detail will ensure the best results. Follow these essential tips to create a perfectly baked Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
- Use quality ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better, and high-quality ground beef or turkey will give you the best flavor. Choose fresh garlic and onions over powdered versions for a more robust taste.
- Cook the pasta al dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so be sure to cook it just until al dente. This ensures the pasta doesn’t turn mushy.
- Drain the beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Check for seasoning: Taste the beef mixture before assembling the casserole to adjust seasoning if needed. Adding enough salt and pepper at this stage is crucial for a balanced dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Hamburger Supreme Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long before baking can make it mushy.
- Skipping the cheese topping: A casserole without a golden cheese top is incomplete! Be sure to use enough cheese for a rich, satisfying finish.
- Not seasoning the beef properly: Under-seasoned beef can lead to a bland casserole. Be generous with the seasoning when cooking the ground beef and taste as you go.
- Overfilling the baking dish: Leave some space in your baking dish to prevent bubbling over.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Hamburger Supreme Casserole, presentation is key. A well-presented casserole can make even the simplest dishes feel gourmet. Here are some tips:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a side salad: Balance the richness of the casserole with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess of the dish.
- Serve with crusty bread: A warm piece of garlic bread or a slice of crusty sourdough pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory casserole.
How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. For easy serving, cut the casserole into squares or scoop portions with a large spoon. Pair with:
- A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A side of warm, buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
To elevate the presentation of this homey casserole, try these ideas:
- Individual portions: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a rustic yet chic look.
- Family-style serving: Place the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves for a casual, family-style meal.
- Layered plating: Add a small dollop of sour cream on top of each serving and sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika and fresh herbs for a professional touch.
Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips
- Double the recipe for meal prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Double the recipe and freeze half for later. It reheats beautifully.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes of cooking time.
- Use leftovers creatively: Leftover casserole makes a great filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I freeze Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next day. Just store it covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Parmesan would all work well.
- What can I serve with Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
- Serve this casserole with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Conclusion
The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple assembly process, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you follow the classic recipe or switch it up with your own variations, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're feeding a crowd. So grab your apron and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintHamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a delicious, comforting meal made with ground beef, noodles, cheese, and savory spices. It's the perfect dish for a hearty family dinner. This casserole offers layers of flavor and texture that are sure to satisfy. Ideal for weeknights or potlucks, it's a quick and easy crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and cream cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and the cream mixture in a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spices if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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