Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic Comfort Food: Brings back warm, familiar flavors.
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Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, carbs, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and one-dish preparation.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells) or diced potatoes
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup milk
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
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Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta (or potatoes), beef mixture, sauce, and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
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Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: Mix in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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Different Cheeses: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
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Make It Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a leaner alternative.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if baking cold.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Ensure enough sauce and cover with foil during baking if needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify soup ingredients.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely, more cheese adds extra creaminess and flavor.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms and mix with a béchamel sauce as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool quickly and refrigerate in airtight containers.
Can I use instant pasta?
Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy casserole.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a classic favorite for children.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. With simple ingredients and familiar flavors, it’s perfect for family meals or casual gatherings any night of the week.
PrintOld-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is a classic comfort food combining seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta or potatoes baked to perfection for a hearty family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells) or diced potatoes
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta (or potatoes), beef mixture, sauce, and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Add peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or cheese blends instead of cheddar.
- Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for low-carb option.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg