If you’re looking for a comfort meal that’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare, then this Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe is for you! Loaded with layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, melted cheese, and savory vegetables, this dish will leave your family craving for more. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s a great option to feed a crowd. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole!
What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a layered baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef (the “hamburger” part), pasta or potatoes, creamy or cheesy sauces, and a variety of vegetables. It’s a comforting casserole that combines familiar, easy-to-find ingredients into a delicious one-dish meal. The “supreme” aspect refers to the additional toppings and flavors that elevate the basic hamburger casserole into something truly special.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
To make this delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – The main protein base for the dish. You can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the ground beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the taste of the beef with aromatic depth.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Provides the creamy base for the casserole.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – Adds acidity and moisture to balance the richness of the dish.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini) – Serves as the starchy base of the casserole.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts over the casserole to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Gives the dish a boost of herby flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a bit of color and mild spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Optional toppings: Green onions, sliced jalapeños, or crispy bacon bits for garnish.
Additional Ingredients for a More Flavorful Twist
If you're feeling adventurous and want to enhance the flavor profile of your Hamburger Supreme Casserole, here are a few more ingredients to consider adding:
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn – Add vegetables for texture and a pop of color.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – If you love earthy flavors, mushrooms work well with beef.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds depth and a slightly tangy, savory umami flavor to the beef mixture.
- 1 ½ cups crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping, sprinkle these over the cheese before baking.
- 1 tablespoon mustard – Adds a subtle tang that pairs well with the beef and cheese.
- Hot sauce – If you like a bit of spice, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make the Hamburger Supreme Casserole your own? Here are some substitution ideas to suit dietary preferences and ingredients you have on hand:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef: For a leaner version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You’ll get a similar texture with less fat.
- Gluten-free pasta: If you’re avoiding gluten, use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety to make this dish gluten-friendly.
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: For a lighter twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. It’ll still give you that creamy texture and slight tang.
- Dairy-free cheese: To make the casserole dairy-free, swap the regular cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Cauliflower or zucchini noodles: For a lower-carb version, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or small cauliflower florets.
- Add bacon: Crumbled, crispy bacon can be mixed into the casserole or sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making your Hamburger Supreme Casserole. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, bubbling casserole ready in no time!
How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Season and mix the sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sour cream: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the sour cream. This will add a rich creaminess to the beef mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish (9x13 inches), start by layering the cooked pasta at the bottom. Next, pour the beef mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional topping: If you’re adding a crunchy topping like potato chips or breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on in the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid burning.
- Rest before serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the beef mixture properly. Bland beef can result in a dull casserole.
- Not draining the beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat after browning the beef, your casserole might end up greasy.
- Adding the cheese too early: If you add the cheese topping too early, it may overcook and turn hard. Add the cheese during the last part of baking for the perfect melty texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Hamburger Supreme Casserole, there are plenty of ways to enhance the dining experience. Presentation is key to making even a simple casserole look mouthwatering.
How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole
- With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
- Bread on the side: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
- Top with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Accompany with pickles or hot sauce: If you want to add a little acidity or spice, serve with pickles or a side of hot sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole
- Individual servings: Use ramekins to create individual-sized casseroles for each guest. It adds a personal touch and makes the dish feel more elegant.
- Garnish with color: Top with chopped green onions, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sour cream to add visual appeal.
- Layered glass dish: Using a clear glass casserole dish allows your guests to see the delicious layers of pasta, beef, and cheese, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. Simply prepare it as instructed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni and rotini are popular choices, feel free to use any short pasta shape like penne, bowties, or shells.
3. How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to add any of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely. You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe is a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, it’s a comfort food classic that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, make it ahead of time, and enjoy it with a side of salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t wait—try this recipe today and bring a new favorite dish to your table!
PrintHamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a rich and savory dish made with ground beef, pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines hearty ingredients like beef and cheese with the comforting flavors of pasta, making it a filling, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Spread sour cream over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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