Description
This 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato soup, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this casserole is baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection with minimal prep and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (1lb) box medium pasta shells
Meat
- 1lb ground beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 (10oz) 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Prepare baking dish and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook and crumble the beef until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine ingredients in skillet: Add the cooked pasta, two cans of tomato soup, 1/2 cup water, and half of the shredded cheese (1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella) to the browned beef. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to combine and warm through.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining shredded cheese (1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella).
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a golden top: If desired, turn the oven broiler on and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese on top is browned and slightly crispy.
- Serve and store: Serve the casserole hot immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can omit mozzarella and use 100% cheddar cheese if preferred; mozzarella adds extra gooeyness.
- Add diced onion or onion powder to the ground beef for more flavor, though it can be left out for picky eaters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
