4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Quick, comforting, and unbelievably easy, this 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a dinner lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, pasta, and sauce come together in perfect harmony to deliver a dish that’s simple to make yet loaded with flavor.

Whether you’re a novice cook or simply looking for a no-fuss recipe, this casserole is your go-to solution. It’s affordable, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a true weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Ingredients: Only four ingredients are needed, making it budget-friendly and hassle-free.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for picky eaters and large families.
3. Customizable: Add extra ingredients or swap out components to suit your preferences.
4. Make-Ahead Meal: Prep it in advance and bake when ready.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Set Aside:
   • Drain the pasta, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Drain Excess Fat:
   • If needed, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add Tomato Sauce:
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, start with a layer of the cooked pasta.
   • Add a layer of the beef and tomato sauce mixture on top.
   • Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
   • Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with Foil:
   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from overbrowning.
2. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove Foil:
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Undercook it slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
2. Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties.
3. Season the Beef: Even a pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the overall flavor.
4. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Customization Ideas

1. Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
2. Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
3. Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
4. Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your hamburger casserole with these sides for a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing side dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans complement the dish well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, follow the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.

Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni is ideal because it holds the sauce well and fits easily into the casserole layers.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use lean ground beef, whole-wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the dish.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or prepare two separate casseroles if serving a crowd.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet versatile enough to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Yield: 6

4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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Quick, comforting, and unbelievably easy, this 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a dinner lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, pasta, and sauce come together in perfect harmony to deliver a dish that’s simple to make yet loaded with flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef

1. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Combine Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, marinara sauce, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add Veggies: Include diced onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas for added nutrition.

Cheese Variety: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different cheesy flavor.

Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to taste when cooking the ground beef.