Hearty Hamburger Supreme Casserole Bake (Print Version)
Whip up a comforting Hamburger Supreme Casserole. This easy, cheesy bake is perfect for busy weeknights, packed with flavor and childhood memories.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (1.5 lbs)
02 -
Elbow Macaroni (12 oz)
03 -
Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
04 -
Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can)
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
06 -
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
07 -
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
08 -
Beef Broth (1 cup)
→ Creamy Topping & Finishing Touches
09 -
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
10 -
Sour Cream (1/2 cup)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your biggest skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with your spoon until it's no longer pink. This is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing, hon! Drain off any excess grease, but leave a little bit for flavor. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and get fragrant for about 5 minutes. I always forget to season here, but don't be like me—a pinch of salt and pepper now makes a difference!
02 -
Once your aromatics are happy, stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained, remember? Trust me on this!), the can of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and that magical Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld together for about 10 minutes. This is where the sauce starts to thicken and develop, smelling like pure comfort. I once added too much broth and it was a bit watery; just let it simmer a little longer if that happens.
03 -
While your sauce is doing its thing, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions, but aim for slightly less than al dente. We're talking like, 2 minutes shy of fully cooked. Remember, it's going to bake more in the oven, and nobody wants mushy pasta in their Hamburger Supreme Casserole! Drain it well—no rinsing, we want that starch to help the sauce cling!
04 -
Now for the fun part: assembly! In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with your beef and sauce mixture. Stir it all up until every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious, savory sauce. Pour half of this glorious mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, pasta flying everywhere, but it's all part of the home cooking charm, right?
05 -
Sprinkle about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer of macaroni and beef. Then, dollop half of your sour cream over the cheese. Don't worry if it's not perfectly spread, it'll melt into creamy pockets of goodness. Now, pour the remaining macaroni and beef mixture over the cheese and sour cream layer. This layering creates those wonderful surprise bursts of flavor throughout the Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
06 -
Top the entire casserole with the remaining sour cream, spreading it gently, and then sprinkle generously with the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen will be incredible—a truly supreme Hamburger Supreme Casserole, ready to devour!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the pasta initially; it'll get mushy in the oven. I learned this the hard way once, and it was a sad, sad casserole.
02 -
Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better and gives a creamier texture. Pre-shredded has starches that can make it a bit grainy.
03 -
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny when you serve.
04 -
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef while browning for an extra layer of savory depth. I stumbled on this once, and it's a game-changer!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
saucepan
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
Protein: 35 g