Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe

Are you in search of the perfect comfort food recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than the Hamburger Supreme Casserole! This hearty dish is packed with flavors, simple ingredients, and is sure to be a hit with your entire family. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make this classic dish, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting it every time. Read on to discover how to make this savory, cheesy, and satisfying casserole your new favorite weeknight meal.

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What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is an all-American dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, cheese, pasta, and a medley of vegetables baked together to create a comfort food masterpiece. This dish is often topped with a golden, bubbling layer of melted cheese, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you need something easy to prepare, filling, and utterly delicious. Plus, it's a great recipe for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge and even freezes beautifully.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you’ll need to make a traditional Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz pasta (such as egg noodles or elbow macaroni)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• ½ cup bread crumbs (for topping, optional)

Additional Ingredients for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

While the above list covers the basics, you can always mix in extra ingredients to give your casserole a personal twist. Here are some additional ingredients you might want to consider adding:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (for extra earthiness)
• ½ cup green peas or carrots (for more veggies)
• ½ cup black olives, sliced (for a Mediterranean flavor)
• 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (for a spicy kick)
• 1-2 tablespoon hot sauce (if you want extra heat)
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions (for an extra crunchy topping)

These variations can help you adapt the dish to your preferences, making it versatile and customizable every time you prepare it!

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of the Hamburger Supreme Casserole is its flexibility. Whether you're trying to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply looking to change things up, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Protein Substitution: You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative (like coconut cream) and use dairy-free cheese to make this casserole suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Pasta Variations: While egg noodles are a popular choice, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for a gluten-free meal.
• Vegetable Boost: Increase the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to the casserole.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier version.

These substitutions allow you to enjoy the casserole regardless of dietary restrictions, personal tastes, or ingredient availability.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Mix in Creamy Ingredients: Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
7. Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl or the skillet (if it's large enough), mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture until fully combined.
8. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
9. Top with Cheese and Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. If using bread crumbs or a crunchy topping, sprinkle that on top as well.
10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps for making the perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Cook your pasta until al dente, then set it aside.
2. Brown the ground beef, making sure to drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the vegetables until soft and fragrant.
4. Mix in tomatoes, seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese for a rich, creamy base.
5. Combine everything—pasta, beef, and veggies—into one cohesive mix.
6. Top with cheese and optional crunchy toppings, then bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you're not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook slightly while baking, so overcooked pasta may turn mushy.
• Not Draining the Beef: Failing to drain the excess fat can result in a greasy casserole.
• Skipping Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasonings! Ground beef can be bland if not seasoned properly. Taste the mixture before assembling the casserole to make sure it's flavorful.
• Cheese Burns: If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil halfway through the baking time to avoid burnt cheese.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While Hamburger Supreme Casserole is rustic and hearty, that doesn’t mean it can’t be served beautifully! Here are some serving and presentation tips to elevate the dish:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color.
2. Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the rich casserole with a light side salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the flavors.
3. Offer Toppings on the Side: Consider serving with extra toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or even crumbled bacon for added customization.

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

The beauty of this dish is that it's versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

• Family Style: Place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves.
• Individual Portions: Scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized dining experience.
• Potluck Perfect: This dish is great for gatherings. Simply wrap the casserole tightly, and it will stay warm and delicious for hours.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Although this is a humble dish, you can make it look great on the table with a few simple touches:

• Use a cast-iron skillet or decorative casserole dish for a more rustic, homey presentation.
• Top the casserole with fresh herbs, green onions, or thinly sliced radishes for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve it on large plates with side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Hamburger Supreme Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a quick meal later.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you want a different flavor, substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Baking Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

2. How long does it last in the fridge?

This casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

4. What sides go well with Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

A light side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this rich and hearty dish.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings together rich flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its flexibility allows you to experiment with different ingredients and variations, making it a versatile recipe to keep in your kitchen arsenal. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking—your family and friends will thank you!

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