If there’s one thing my kids love, it’s ground beef and cheese. Rich, creamy pasta and flavorful ground beef form the base of this classic Italian-inspired casserole, and it’s absolutely loaded with cheese! This simple hamburger casserole is a perennial favorite at my house.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover hamburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes, until warmed through. I do not recommend freezing this casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This easy hamburger and pasta casserole is a hearty and filling ground beef dinner all by itself. If you like, you can serve it up with a vegetable side, such as Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, Crispy Baked Green Beans, Creamy Garlic Mushrooms, or Roasted Veggies for extra goodness! However you decide to serve it, this recipe is guaranteed to be a surefire hit, even the kids will love it!
How to Make Hamburger Casserole Step by Step
Cook the Meat: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until it is no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined bowl. Add ½ cup diced onion and ½ cup diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté in the leftover fat for 2-3 minutes. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in 14.5 ounces (1 can) of drained diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Boil the Noodles: Meanwhile, boil 8 ounces of shell pasta according to package instructions, drain, and transfer to a large bowl. Add 8 ounces (1 brick) of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the pasta. Mix well until the pasta is coated. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the creamy pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and top with ½ cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the Casserole: Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Broil the cheese for 1-2 minutes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
