Are you on the lookout for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a game-changer. Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, it's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Keep reading to discover the secrets of this savory dish, and you'll be whipping it up in no time!

What is a 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole?
A 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a simple, yet hearty dish that combines ground beef, pasta, tomato soup, and cheese into a comforting, baked meal. This casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients List for 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
- 8 ounces pasta: Any type of pasta will work, but medium-sized pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni is ideal.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef is best, but you can use regular ground beef and drain the excess fat.
- Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the beef.
- 10 ounces tomato soup, canned or homemade: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
- 8 to 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Adds creamy, melty goodness to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Pasta: Swap with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian version.
- Tomato Soup: Use marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, or a creamy tomato basil soup for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses instead of mozzarella.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the pasta and return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of pasta water.
- Brown the ground beef: Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain and discard the grease.
- Assemble the casserole: Place the browned ground beef in a large round casserole dish. Add the cooked pasta on top and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour the tomato soup over the mixture, add the reserved pasta water, and stir everything together well. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Add more cheese: Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil for a crispy top: Turn on the oven’s broiler and set a rack 6 inches from the heat source. Broil the casserole until the cheese is browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
How to Cook 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this casserole is straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:
- Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Boil Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Brown Beef: Properly browning the beef adds depth to the flavor.
- Layering: Layering the ingredients helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- Baking: Baking with foil first helps retain moisture, while uncovering and broiling gives a desirable cheesy crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: It should be cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Not draining beef: Excess grease can make the casserole too oily.
- Skipping the foil: This can lead to a dry casserole.
- Forgetting to broil: This step gives a deliciously crispy cheese top.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
Serve this casserole hot out of the oven for the best experience. Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Individual servings: Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Cheese Pull: Show off the gooey cheese by pulling apart a serving in front of your guests.
4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Extra veggies: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with additional spices like Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheese: For a richer flavor, mix in some Parmesan with the mozzarella.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole? A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of tomato soup? A: Marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, or creamy tomato soup are great alternatives.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q: Can I add more ingredients? A: Yes, feel free to customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or spices.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, delicious, and comforting meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for any skill level. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Don’t wait—give it a try and enjoy the savory goodness tonight!
Print4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy recipe featuring pasta, ground beef, tomato soup, and mozzarella cheese. It's the perfect meal for busy nights, offering rich flavors and creamy textures in every bite. Keywords: Hamburger casserole, easy dinner, quick recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta: Any type of pasta will work, but medium-sized pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni is ideal.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef is best, but you can use regular ground beef and drain the excess fat.
- Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the beef.
- 10 ounces tomato soup, canned or homemade: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
- 8 to 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Adds creamy, melty goodness to the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix tomato soup into the browned beef and heat through.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture in a baking dish. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in diced onions or bell peppers with the ground beef.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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