4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Name: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta, any kind; 1 pound ground beef; Salt, pepper, and garlic powder- to taste; 10 ounces tomato soup, canned or homemade; 8 to 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta
1 pound ground beef
Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
1 (10-ounce) can tomato soup
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
In a large pot, fill with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
Transfer the cooked ground beef to a large round casserole dish. Add the cooked pasta on top, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pour the tomato soup over the pasta and beef mixture, then add the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
For a golden, bubbly top, turn on the ovens broiler and set a rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil the casserole for 2 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Cooks Note

This recipe is highly adaptable feel free to adjust the amount of cheese or experiment with the cooking times to suit your taste. My husband had two generous servings and claimed it was one of the best ground beef casseroles he'd ever had!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	625
Total Fat	32g (41% DV)
Saturated Fat	14g (70% DV)
Cholesterol	138mg (46% DV)
Sodium	781mg (34% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	34g (12% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7% DV)
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	48g (97% DV)
Vitamin C	4mg (4% DV)
Calcium	454mg (35% DV)
Iron	4mg (25% DV)
Potassium	959mg (20% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind the 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

The 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole has its roots in mid-20th century America, a period when home cooks were experimenting with simple, hearty meals that required minimal ingredients. Originally, casseroles like this one emerged as practical solutions for busy families seeking comfort food without the fuss. Ground beef, pasta, a basic tomato base, and cheese became the foundation of an easy-to-prepare dish that could feed multiple people with minimal effort.

Regional Variations

While the core ingredients remain consistent, regional differences subtly shape the dish. In the Midwest, cooks often use cheddar or Colby cheese and may incorporate onions or green peppers for added flavor. In the South, a touch of hot sauce or paprika sometimes enhances the casserole. New England versions tend to swap tomato soup for a richer spaghetti sauce, resembling the local favorite, American Chop Suey. Despite these variations, the dish maintains its identity as a quick, family-friendly casserole.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though similar to other beef and pasta casseroles, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike lasagna, it requires no layering, bchamel, or ricotta. Unlike American Chop Suey, it can use canned tomato soup instead of sauce, creating a creamier, smoother texture. The 4-ingredient approach emphasizes ease and speed, making it more approachable for novice cooks or weeknight dinners.

Where Its Typically Served

This casserole is a staple in casual family dinners, potlucks, and church gatherings. Its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a go-to choice for events where a hearty, comforting dish is needed. Leftovers also reheat well, making it popular for school lunches or quick weeknight meals. In some communities, it even appears at funeral receptions and community events, highlighting its role as a familiar, comforting dish.

Interesting Facts

The 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole can be customized endlessly; additions like mushrooms, jalapeos, or different cheeses are commonly experimented with by home cooks.
It is considered one of the most adaptable casseroles in American cuisine because pasta types, cheese blends, and seasoning variations can change the dish entirely.
Some families trace the recipe back generations, making it a nostalgic comfort food reminiscent of home-cooked dinners from childhood.
Its popularity surged with the availability of canned goods and convenience foods, highlighting mid-century Americas embrace of quick, shelf-stable cooking solutions.

Despite its humble ingredients, the 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole remains a beloved dish, bridging practicality and comfort in one warm, cheesy bite. It is proof that simplicity can still deliver a satisfying, memorable meal.

FAQ about 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Store the leftover hamburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by a layer of freezer-safe plastic. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, you can replace the tomato soup with spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or even homemade tomato sauce. Some people also use a combination of tomato sauce and cream for a richer flavor.

This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. For extra flavor, you can mix in spices such as chili powder, paprika, or dried herbs like basil or oregano. Additionally, adding more cheese or using different types of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella blend) can change the taste.

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for any pasta, you can use any shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or shells. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape, so be sure to check it for doneness before draining.

If the casserole seems dry, add a little more tomato soup or some additional pasta water before baking. You can also add a small amount of milk or broth to make it more moist. Covering the casserole while baking helps retain moisture.

To avoid burning the cheese, keep an eye on the casserole during broiling, as broilers can cook quickly. You can broil for just a couple of minutes or until the cheese is browned, but not overcooked. If the casserole is browning too fast, lower the rack or reduce the broiling time.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake at 350°F (175°C) as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can make a large batch, divide it into individual portions, and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. It reheats well and makes a convenient lunch or dinner option.

If you don't have mozzarella, you can substitute with other cheese options like cheddar, Colby jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. The flavor and texture will vary, but it will still taste great.

Comments

Stephanie Smith

06/01/2024 12:08:23 AM

I substituted spaghetti sauce for the soup in this recipe and created a delicious pizza casserole that my family absolutely adored. It was a hit! 🍕😊

Debra Lee

03/05/2024 03:58:10 AM

Rewritten review: I really enjoyed this recipe. I substituted Colby Jack cheese for mozzarella and added diced jalapeños and onion since I didn't have mozzarella on hand. Next time, I might try adding some feta and parmesan as well. The recipe provides a great foundation that allows for experimentation. I also opted for egg noodles instead and found it to be a versatile and delicious dish. Thanks for sharing!

Susan Collins

08/24/2023 06:50:06 AM

This meal is simple yet satisfying. I cooked onions along with the ground beef as I prefer to brown meat that way. I seasoned it with black pepper and fresh basil from my garden. The tomato soup exceeded my expectations by being less acidic compared to tomato sauce.

Karen Wright

05/20/2024 07:01:05 PM

This recipe was incredibly simple and delicious! I followed the instructions as written, but adjusted the seasoning to my liking. I also agree with fellow reviewers that this recipe serves as a fantastic foundation to incorporate your favorite ingredients, such as onions, mushrooms, or even kidney beans for added flavor.

Laura Harris

03/16/2025 11:16:44 AM

This recipe brings back memories of a beloved New England dish known as American Chop Suey. Instead of using tomato soup, we opt for spaghetti sauce which adds a delicious twist to the classic flavors.

Amanda Thompson

04/14/2025 10:31:31 PM

In my opinion, the canned tomato soup ruins the dish. If you replace it with a jar of canned tomatoes, it might be better.

Joyce Cruz

11/07/2023 12:59:06 PM

I received rave reviews after adding mushrooms and onions.

Matthew Gomez

06/05/2025 12:45:45 AM

Here is the rewritten review: I didn't have any tomato soup on hand and thought it might be a bit plain anyway, so I decided to use a can of tomatoes with green chilies and a can of red enchilada sauce instead. I also added some shredded Mexican blend cheese. The combination turned out to be fantastic!

Jessica Torres

07/27/2024 04:58:18 PM

I enjoyed this dish. However, my husband felt that it could use more meat, so I plan to add extra ground beef next time. Apart from that, we were satisfied with the recipe. It was simple to prepare, and I didn't make any changes - I followed the instructions exactly as written.

Nicholas King

08/18/2023 12:58:01 PM

I opted for sharp cheddar cheese when making this dish, but otherwise followed the recipe as instructed. It was simple and fast to prepare, and my adult son really enjoyed it!

Benjamin Adams

04/03/2023 06:07:16 AM

I frequently add onions to the ground beef while browning it. This recipe has become a regular in my kitchen and I have made it numerous times.

Steven Diaz

06/26/2023 10:52:05 AM

I really enjoyed the subtle flavor of this dish, making it perfect for a potluck. A great tip for extra sauce: incorporate one can of water (9 oz) with a tablespoon of corn starch dissolved in water, then mix well with the condensed soup. I attached a photo after following this modification to showcase the sauce. Adding a garlic-flavored bread crumb topping or diced chilies would also be delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

William Green

03/25/2025 01:42:39 PM

Looking forward to making it again!

Aaron Green

04/21/2025 06:30:06 PM

We decided to skip the broiling step and instead served it with garlic bread, which my teenager enjoyed. I personally found that it needed more salt than I had initially added, so I seasoned my own portion. Overall, it was quite tasty.

Nicole Gonzalez

04/18/2024 06:56:01 AM

I didn't have mozzarella, so I substituted with a Mexican blend cheese. Additionally, I included finely diced onion and a hint of chili powder for extra flavor.

Kimberly Smith

01/07/2024 11:43:02 AM

For the next batch, please consider adding more tomato soup. Otherwise, it was very good!!

Lisa Nguyen

03/24/2025 09:43:00 PM

I have created a dish similar to this one using spaghetti sauce instead. I am often requested by my parish to prepare it for funeral receptions.

Brandon White

05/30/2023 01:17:16 PM

I opted for sharp cheddar cheese and followed the recipe as instructed. It was simple and fast to make, and my adult son absolutely enjoyed it!

Jennifer Roberts

05/11/2025 07:38:32 PM

It lacked flavor.

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes