Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a family? Look no further than the Hamburger Supreme Casserole! This delicious casserole combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, a creamy sauce, and lots of melted cheese, making it a go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to add your favorite vegetables or even customize the seasonings to suit your tastes. It’s a classic dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

this Recipe

What is "Hamburger Supreme Casserole"?

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, layered dish made with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a rich sauce that is baked to golden perfection. The "supreme" part of the dish comes from the layers of flavorful ingredients, which typically include pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and sometimes vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. It’s a hearty meal that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

To make this Hamburger Supreme Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These can be adjusted to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand:

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for cooking the meat)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup milk (or more, if needed for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for a crispy top)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Hamburger Supreme Casserole to fit your taste and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Options: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor.
• Cheese Variations: You can use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. A mix of cheeses will give the casserole extra creaminess and flavor.
• Pasta Choices: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni will work for this dish. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or even frozen peas for a more nutritious casserole.
• Healthier Sauce: Replace the condensed soup with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk if you prefer a more wholesome option.
• Crunchy Topping: For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the casserole before baking. You can even mix in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Hamburger Supreme Casserole step by step:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a little salt and pepper. Once browned, drain off any excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Make the Meat Sauce:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the sour cream (or cream cheese) and milk. Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir in the cheese sauce until everything is evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
   Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top as well.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Let Cool and Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if you’d like.

How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps for making Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and sauté the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
3. Make the sauce by adding diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire, and seasonings to the beef and veggie mixture.
4. Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter and stirring in sour cream (or cream cheese), milk, and shredded cheese until smooth.
5. Mix everything together in a large bowl and transfer to a casserole dish.
6. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
• Not Draining the Ground Beef: Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Taste the meat mixture and cheese sauce before assembling the casserole. Adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure your casserole is flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Classic Sides: Serve your Hamburger Supreme Casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Individual Servings: For a fun twist, divide the casserole into individual ramekins before baking, giving each person their own mini casserole.

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a great dish to serve as a main course for a family dinner or potluck. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Family Dinner: Serve the casserole as a hearty main dish with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Potluck or Gathering: This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. Make a large batch, bring it to a potluck, and let everyone dig in!
• Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

• Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs: Add some chopped fresh parsley, basil, or green onions on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color.
• Gooey Cheese Topping: If you want to impress, sprinkle extra cheese on top just before serving for a gooey, melted finish.
• Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet. It keeps the dish warm and looks great on the dinner table.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use Leftover Pasta: If you have leftover cooked pasta from another meal, this recipe is a great way to use it up. Simply mix the pasta into the beef mixture and proceed with the recipe.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it from cold.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure to use a gluten-free condensed soup or substitute it with a homemade version.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with seasoned beef, pasta, and a deliciously creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight dinner or for a cozy family meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dish!

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