4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

An Effortless Delight: 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

Anyone else trying to feed picky eaters? Don’t you just love it when you spend so much time planning and making dinner only for everyone to complain? Arg! Well, I have some good news for you. This quick and easy dinner casserole is made with simple and cheap ingredients, takes very little time to prepare, and is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a family favorite!

It’s made with just ground beef, pasta shells, tomato soup, cheese, and seasoning to taste. It doesn’t sound like much, but when it all comes together, it’s like eating a cheeseburger out of a pan. It’s a very comforting meal, especially in the winter months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This simple casserole dish is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and hungry husbands! It’s not only delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly, easy to make, and a family favorite. Made with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Yum!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Foil
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • 1 lb box medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 (10oz) cans tomato soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Garlic, salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  3. In a large skillet, brown and chop the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (or any seasoning of your choice).
  4. Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, a half cup of water, and HALF of the cheese to your skillet with the browned beef; stir and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
  5. Pour the mixture into your greased dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes (I also like to turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese).
  7. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • If you want a crispier cheese topping, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.

Additional Tips or Variations

  • You don’t have to use mozzarella for this dish if you’d rather use 100% cheddar instead. Your preference! I like the mozzarella because it makes the cheese stringy.
  • You can also add a diced onion or onion powder to the beef mixture. My family doesn’t care much for onion, so I leave it out.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While specific nutritional values can vary, this dish is a good source of protein and provides a hearty serving of carbohydrates to fuel your day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Just be sure to store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • What can I serve with this casserole? A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would pair nicely with this dish.

Conclusion

This 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is not just a meal — it’s a lifesaver for busy nights and fussy eaters. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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