Craving a meal that combines hearty beef, savory cheese, and tender pasta all baked to perfection? Look no further than the Hamburger Supreme Casserole! This delicious dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser. The Hamburger Supreme Casserole layers seasoned ground beef with creamy cheese, pasta, and vegetables, making it a comforting all-in-one meal. Read through to the end to discover helpful cooking tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions about this satisfying dish.
What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a rich, savory dish made by layering ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that can feed a large family or be stored as leftovers for later meals. The ground beef is seasoned and cooked until tender, while the pasta provides a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. This casserole is topped with melted cheese, baked to perfection, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. It's an easy-to-make, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal that's sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering casserole. These ingredients create the ultimate balance of flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is delicious and satisfying.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean or extra-lean ground beef for the best results.
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni – You can substitute with penne, rotini, or any short pasta.
- 1 small onion – Finely chopped to add flavor to the beef mixture.
- 2 garlic cloves – Minced for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – A creamy base that ties the casserole together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Drained, to add moisture and flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For a rich, gooey topping.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the dish.
- ½ cup milk – Helps to thin out the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and beef.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of smokiness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn – To add vegetables and color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For a deeper, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For a little heat if you enjoy spicy food.
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – For garnish and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to modify it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:
- Meat alternatives: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta choices: Feel free to swap out the elbow macaroni for whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even egg noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cheese variety: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack if you want to add a spicy kick.
- Vegetable boost: Throw in diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition. Frozen mixed vegetables also work well.
- Low-carb option: Instead of pasta, use cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of this dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly once it’s assembled.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef: Season the cooked beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and any optional seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and milk. This mixture will create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef beautifully.
- Combine the pasta and beef: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure it’s level.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you like an extra-cheesy dish, feel free to add more cheese!
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Let it rest: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the casserole to set.
How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the process to cook the Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
- Stir in seasonings, cream of mushroom soup, tomatoes, sour cream, and milk.
- Mix the beef mixture with cooked pasta.
- Assemble the casserole and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to avoid them:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly while baking. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the casserole.
- Forgetting to drain the beef: Always drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Using too much cheese: While cheese is a key component of this dish, using too much can make the casserole overly heavy and greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t forget to season the beef mixture well. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are a few ideas to elevate the serving and presentation of your Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
- With a salad: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Add bread: Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Include a vegetable side: Steam some broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side dish.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole:
- Fresh herbs: Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or baking dishes.
- Family-style serving: Place the casserole at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves for a cozy, family-style meal.
Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow extra time to bake if it’s chilled.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Cheese alternatives: If you're avoiding dairy, use a plant-based cheese alternative, and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free cream soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, the casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 months.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition.
Conclusion
The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that combines the richness of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheese in one easy-to-make meal. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food tonight!
PrintHamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a family favorite packed with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese. A delicious and easy meal for busy nights, this casserole combines simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cream of mushroom soup to create a comforting, filling dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, then add diced onions and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
- Use your favorite pasta shape for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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