When life gets busy and the family is hungry, there’s nothing like a bubbling dish of cheesy hamburger casserole to save the day. This heartwarming dish brings together savory ground beef, melted cheese, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes into one comforting, oven-baked meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is satisfying, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just craving a taste of home, this recipe delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the kitchen and make something delicious.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
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2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
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½ cup milk
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re not using leftover pasta, boil the elbow macaroni or rotini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Season and Add Veggies
Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the beef. Stir well, then mix in the diced tomatoes and corn. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
Reduce heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and gently fold everything together to coat the noodles.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s a hug in a baking dish. Rich in flavor and easy to make, it checks all the boxes for a perfect family dinner. The combination of tender beef, sweet corn, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying dish that will become a regular at your table. Best of all, it’s versatile — you can swap in ground turkey, use different cheeses, or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it ideal for next-day lunches too.
So next time you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort, turn to this cheesy classic. Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm dinner rolls, and watch it disappear in minutes!