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This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. With layers of flavor and a golden, bubbling topping, it's a meal everyone will ask for seconds of.
Last week, I made this for a family dinner and my picky nephew who "hates casseroles" had two full servings! The creamy sauce and cheesy topping won him over immediately.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Ground Beef - 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the best flavor
- Elbow Macaroni - Holds the sauce perfectly; cook just until al dente
- Cream of Mushroom Soup - Creates a creamy base without complicated sauce-making
- Diced Tomatoes - Adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich sauce
- Cheddar Cheese - Use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor
- Italian Seasoning - Provides herb complexity with just one ingredient
The magic happens when the pasta absorbs some of the sauce while baking, creating a cohesive dish where every bite delivers creamy, beefy goodness.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Cook macaroni just until al dente - slightly undercooked is better than overcooked as it will continue to soften in the oven. Drain well to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
- Step 2: Develop Flavor Base
- Brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into small, even pieces. Add onions and garlic to the beef while it's still cooking to infuse more flavor. Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Combine diced tomatoes (with their juice), cream of mushroom soup, milk, seasonings, and most of the cheese with the beef mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Step 4: Combine Components
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step distributes the flavors throughout the entire dish.
- Step 5: Assemble and Top
- Transfer to a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly. Reserve some cheese for the top to create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust that signals comfort food perfection.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered until the edges are bubbling and the cheese topping is melted and beginning to brown. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for easier slicing and serving.
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The Perfect Family Meal Solution
This casserole solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma of creating something satisfying that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Its hearty nature provides complete nutrition in one dish, eliminating the need for multiple sides. Parents appreciate its ability to stretch a pound of ground beef to feed six people, while children love the familiar pasta and cheese combination.
Versatile Serving Options
While delicious on its own, this casserole pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For casual gatherings, serve with warm garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. During cooler months, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to complete the meal.
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Budget-Friendly Meal Planning
In today's economy, this recipe shines as a cost-effective dinner solution. Ground beef proves more economical than other proteins, while pasta provides filling sustenance. The casserole easily stretches to feed unexpected guests by adding extra vegetables or serving smaller portions with more sides. Leftovers reheat beautifully, eliminating food waste and providing ready-made lunches the following day.
Nostalgic Comfort with Modern Appeal
Casseroles like this one evoke memories of family dinners from decades past, yet this version incorporates contemporary touches like smoked paprika and Italian herbs. The combination of nostalgia and updated flavors appeals to multiple generations, making it perfect for family gatherings. Its straightforward preparation doesn't sacrifice depth of flavor, proving that comfort food can be both convenient and delicious.
You Must Know
- Don't overcook the pasta initially—it will continue to soften in the oven
- Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy casserole
- For best flavor, use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving
- The casserole will thicken as it cools
I learned the importance of proper pasta cooking after my first attempt turned mushy in the oven. Now I always cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for perfect texture.
Chef's Essential Tips
- For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture
- Create a crunchy topping by mixing 1 cup crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for more complex flavor
- For a spicier version, add a can of diced green chilies or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but fresh-grated melts more smoothly
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole has become my reliable go-to when I need a crowd-pleasing meal without hours of preparation. It's the perfect balance of familiar comfort and satisfying flavor that makes everyone feel at home around the dinner table.
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Final Tips
- Make a double batch and freeze half for future emergency meals
- For potlucks, assemble in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess
- Try ground Italian sausage instead of beef for a flavor variation
- For a complete meal prep solution, portion into individual containers with vegetable sides
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
- Yes, any medium pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini works well.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Pair with green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.