Hearty Hamburger Supreme Casserole: Easy Comfort Food (Print Version)
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is pure comfort! A simple, savory bake that brings big flavors and easy weeknight smiles.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Lover, Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 -
12 oz elbow macaroni
03 -
1 medium onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
15 oz can tomato sauce
06 -
1/2 cup ketchup
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Creamy Goodness
08 -
1 cup whole milk
09 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Black pepper, to taste
12 -
1 tsp dried oregano
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a large skillet, hon, and get that ground beef browning over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you want nice crumbles, not big clumps. Drain off any excess grease—I usually just tilt the pan and scoop it out with a spoon, easy peasy. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften up, getting all fragrant and lovely for about 5 minutes. Oh, the smell! This is where the magic starts, honestly.
02 -
Once those aromatics are smelling divine, pour in your tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. This is the heart of your Hamburger Supreme Casserole, so let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. You're looking for it to thicken just a tad and for those flavors to really meld together. I always taste it here and adjust the salt and pepper; sometimes it needs a little more zing!
03 -
While your sauce is doing its thing, get a pot of salted water boiling for your elbow macaroni. Cook it according to package directions, but remember, al dente is your friend here! Nobody wants mushy pasta in a casserole. Drain it well once it’s cooked. I always give it a quick rinse with warm water to prevent sticking, a little trick I picked up after one too many sticky pasta disasters.
04 -
Now for the fun part! In a really big mixing bowl, or just back in your large skillet if it’s big enough, gently combine the cooked macaroni with your supreme beef sauce. Pour in the milk and give it another good stir until everything is evenly coated. Add about half of your shredded cheddar cheese right into the mix. This makes the whole casserole extra creamy and gooey throughout. Don't be shy, get in there with a big spoon!
05 -
Time to layer! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Pour the entire macaroni and beef mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Don't be afraid to make a little cheese mountain; it'll melt down into a glorious, golden crust. I sometimes add a little extra parmesan here too, for an extra nutty kick. Oops, did I say extra? I mean, who doesn't love more cheese?
06 -
Pop that beautiful dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for that cheese to be melted, bubbly, and a gorgeous golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the whole thing should be smelling absolutely divine. Once it's out, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set a bit, so it doesn't just fall apart when you scoop it. Patience, my friend, is a virtue!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the ground beef grease thoroughly; a greasy casserole is a sad casserole, I learned that the hard way.
02 -
Don't overcook the pasta! It'll bake more in the oven, so slightly undercooked is actually perfect for this Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
03 -
Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than pre-shredded; it's a small step that makes a huge difference.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
large pot
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 35-45g