Homestyle Hamburger Supreme Casserole: Easy Dinner (Print Version)
Make this Hamburger Supreme Casserole for a hearty, easy dinner. A family favorite with pasta, beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Beef
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
2 cups (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
03 -
1 medium onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
08 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
09 -
2 cups (about 8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
10 -
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Flavor Boosters
11 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Garnishes
13 -
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for serving)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that large skillet hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, with no pink left, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat – seriously, don't forget this step, or your Hamburger Supreme Casserole will be greasy. Once drained, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes. The smell alone starts building that anticipation, I swear!
02 -
Now for the heart of your Hamburger Supreme Casserole! Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning with the browned beef and aromatics. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a little patience now for big flavor later.
03 -
While your sauce is simmering, grab a large pot and cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions. Here’s a crucial tip I learned the hard way: cook it just until al dente, maybe even slightly less. It’s going to bake in the oven, so you don't want it turning into mush. I usually shave off a minute or two from the suggested cook time. Drain it well, like, really well. Remember my "casserole soup night"? Yeah, don't be me.
04 -
Once the sauce has simmered, take it off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, transforming it into a truly supreme casserole. Then, fold in about half of your freshly grated cheddar cheese. It’ll start to get gooey and irresistible. This step truly elevates your Hamburger Supreme Casserole to another level of deliciousness.
05 -
Add the drained, al dente elbow macaroni to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Give it a good, gentle stir until the pasta is evenly coated. You want every little noodle to be swimming in that deliciousness! Pour this entire mixture into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sometimes I get a little messy here, with sauce splattering, but it’s all part of the home cooking charm, right? Don't stress the small stuff.
06 -
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a beautiful golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – it helps the sauce settle and prevents molten cheese burns, trust me on that one!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the pasta before baking; it'll get mushy! I learned that the hard way.
02 -
You can totally brown the beef and chop the veggies a day ahead. Saves a ton of time on busy evenings.
03 -
Tried using ground turkey once - it works, but honestly, beef gives it that classic, hearty flavor I crave.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end isn't just for looks; it brightens everything up so nicely!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
large pot
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g