Name: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 🥩; 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni) 🍝; 2 cups marinara sauce 🍅; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy dinner idea that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, this 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients—ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese—you can whip up a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Minimal prep, big flavor, and maximum satisfaction!

4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious Comfort Food

What is Hamburger Casserole?

Hamburger Casserole is a simple and delicious baked dish featuring layers of ground beef, pasta, sauce, and cheese. It’s a family-friendly recipe that combines savory flavors and hearty textures, making it a go-to comfort food. This streamlined 4-ingredient version keeps things quick and fuss-free without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.
Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults for its cheesy, comforting flavors.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with extra ingredients like vegetables or spices.

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni work best)
2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet
Large pot (for boiling pasta)
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Combine the Beef and Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef, mixing until well combined. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the beef and sauce mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the baking 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 melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy this warm, comforting dish!

Try this easy 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole! Made with ground beef, pasta, sauce, and cheese, it's a quick, comforting dinner.

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Casserole

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Drain the Beef Well: This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts better and has a creamier texture than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Add Seasonings: If you like more flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the beef and sauce mixture.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat.
Cheese Variety: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and opt for whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.

How to Serve Hamburger Casserole

With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the casserole.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
As-Is: This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.

2. What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use any pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or even make a quick homemade version with canned tomatoes and spices.

3. Can I add more ingredients?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base, and you can add vegetables, herbs, or extra cheese as desired.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure your sauce-to-pasta ratio is balanced and cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture.

Conclusion

This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying meal. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share your experience and subscribe for more quick and delicious recipes!