Description
This 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food meal that combines tender pasta shells, browned ground beef, creamy tomato soup, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole bakes to cheesy perfection with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (1 lb) box medium pasta shells
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the medium pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and chop the ground beef. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper during cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, both cans of tomato soup, 1/2 cup water, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat to combine flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the cheese topping to fully melt and brown slightly.
- Broil for finish: For an extra golden, bubbly cheese crust, turn on the oven broiler and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the casserole immediately while hot. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can use 100% cheddar cheese instead of mixing mozzarella if preferred. Mozzarella adds a gooey texture.
- Optional: Add diced onion or onion powder to the beef mixture for extra flavor, unless children prefer to leave it out.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta initially to prevent mushiness in the casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
