Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe

If you're searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, then you’ve come to the right place. This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring layers of flavorful beef, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual weekend meal, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Follow along to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish, with plenty of tips and tricks to ensure you get it just right!

What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

A Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a hearty, baked dish that combines ground beef, noodles, cheese, and a rich tomato or cream-based sauce. Think of it as a cross between a cheeseburger and a pasta bake, with all the indulgent flavors of both. This dish is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. The layers of flavors and textures will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

To make this casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean is best)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini works best)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that the whole family will love.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe is that it’s flexible, so you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want to lighten up the dish, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Different Pasta Shapes: You can use any pasta shape you have available—penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would all work well.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to make this comforting Hamburger Supreme Casserole. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a cheesy, hearty dinner ready in no time!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly oil it.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the onions and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
5. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Prepare the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. This creamy layer adds a decadent texture to the casserole.
7. Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta. Next, add half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, creamy cheese mixture, and beef sauce.
8. Top with shredded cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a straightforward process, but here’s a breakdown of the key techniques that will help you make it perfectly every time:

1. Cooking the Beef: Make sure to brown the ground beef well. It adds a deeper flavor and makes for a better texture in the casserole. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
2. Pasta Tips: Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become too soft and lose its texture in the casserole.
3. Layering: Proper layering is essential for the ultimate texture and flavor in this casserole. Ensure each layer is spread evenly to get a bite of all the ingredients in every forkful.
4. Melting the Cheese: The final bake without the foil allows the cheese on top to become bubbly and golden, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: As mentioned, you want the pasta to be slightly undercooked before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
• Skipping the Drain: Not draining excess grease from the beef can make your casserole too oily. Make sure to discard the fat after browning the meat.
• Undermixing the Cream Cheese: Lumpy cream cheese can ruin the texture of the casserole. Be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature and mix it thoroughly with the sour cream for a smooth consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation might not be the most important aspect of a casserole, but a few extra touches can make this dish stand out when serving guests.

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole right from the baking dish at the center of the table, allowing everyone to dig in.
• Portioned Servings: If you prefer a neater presentation, cut the casserole into individual portions before serving.
• Accompaniments: This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a great side.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Extra Cheese: Grate some Parmesan or crumble some feta on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
• Layered Look: When serving individual portions, you can try stacking the layers to showcase the creamy cheese, pasta, and beef in each slice.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You might need to add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the regular baking instructions.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work well in this casserole.

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make excellent additions to the casserole.

3. Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
You can lighten the dish by using ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and whole wheat pasta.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure that the pasta is not overcooked and that there’s enough sauce. Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture.

5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours. However, you might want to add the cheese during the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming too thick.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy Hamburger Supreme Casserole to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This dish is simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds! So, gather your ingredients and give this delicious recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print