The Ultimate Easy and Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love? This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is your answer. Made with just a few pantry staples, it delivers hearty, comforting flavor with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, a large family, or just craving some cozy comfort food, this recipe is as foolproof as it is delicious. Best of all? It takes under an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping. It’s warm, cheesy, and filling—everything you want in a quick casserole dish!
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite meltable variety)
- 4 cups cooked pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni work best)
That’s it! Simple ingredients, big flavor.
🍽️ How to Make Hamburger Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for about 7–8 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the soup to the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Layer the casserole: Add the cooked pasta to the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and soup mixture over the pasta and stir gently to combine.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients – No complicated shopping list!
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the soup or cheese.
- Family-approved – A kid-friendly hit that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd.
🔄 Tips and Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, corn, or spinach before baking for added nutrition.
- Switch the soup: Try cream of chicken or cream of cheddar for a twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Crispy cheese topping: Bake an extra 5 minutes for a golden-brown top.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy hamburger casserole with:
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
This makes it a full, balanced meal with almost no fuss.
⏱️ Cooking Info
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6–8 portions
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