Hamburger Supreme Casserole

There are casseroles that are time-intensive and totally from scratch, and then there are casseroles that take a few basic ingredients and quickly combine them in a way that somehow makes them even better, even more comforting. This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is more of the latter, the type of cozy casserole that families have been turning to for decades when they want something easy and sure to be delicious. It’s humble, but it always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With its savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and cheesy goodness, it’s comfort food at its finest. Plus, the use of cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture without the fuss of making a sauce from scratch.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 2-quart casserole dish
• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if grating cheese from a block)

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms, drained
• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a pasta pot, cook the macaroni for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, season the ground beef with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brown it together with the onions until fully cooked and the onions are tender.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and drained mushrooms. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Layer half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the macaroni and half of the cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining meat and macaroni.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure not to overcook the macaroni initially, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Shredding your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese can also enhance the texture and meltiness of the dish.

Additional Tips or Variations

Consider adding some chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. You could also substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is a hearty meal with protein from the beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and some added vitamins from the mushrooms and onions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned? Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used. Just sauté them with the onions and ground beef.

Conclusion

I invite you to try this comforting Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe and experience its delicious ease for yourself. Feel free to share your thoughts and any creative variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!