Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute for beef in this recipe. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil when browning it to ensure the meat remains moist and flavorful. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious with all the other components of the dish.

What if I don't have shell pasta on hand?

Any medium-sized pasta shape works wonderfully in this recipe. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni make excellent substitutes. The key is choosing a shape that will hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they don't work as well in layered casseroles.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (most brands are, but some contain malt vinegar). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when it's heated through and bubbling around the edges, usually after 25-30 minutes. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch. The cheese on top should be completely melted and starting to turn a light golden color.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Name: Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred); ½ cup diced onion; ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (1 can); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 8 ounces dry shell pasta (½ box); 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cut into cubes (1 brick); ½ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick); ½ cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley (optional)

This irresistible Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce all in one delicious dish. Ready in just an hour with minimal effort, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The layers of flavor and texture make this casserole a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will devour with equal enthusiasm. The familiar flavors of a classic hamburger transformed into a comforting casserole make it an instant hit at any dinner table.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything you need for a complete meal is right in this casserole – protein, carbs, and veggies all wrapped up in a delicious package. Less dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your evening!
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep this dish in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Versatile Base: This recipe is incredibly adaptable – add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s nearly impossible to mess up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing hearty protein and rich flavor. Lean beef works best to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add a sweet flavor foundation and a pop of color to the casserole.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that irreplaceable depth of flavor that makes everything taste better.
Diced Tomatoes: They bring brightness, acidity, and moisture to the beef mixture. Be sure to drain them well to prevent a soggy casserole.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato flavor intensifies the sauce and helps thicken it to the perfect consistency.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that adds complexity without requiring a dozen separate spice jars.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a teaspoon transforms the beef mixture with its unique savory, tangy flavor that’s impossible to replicate.
Shell Pasta: The perfect shape to catch and hold the creamy sauce in every bite. Their curved shape creates little pockets that fill with delicious sauce.
Cream Cheese: Creates an incredibly rich, tangy base for the creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Sour Cream: Adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Butter: Enriches the pasta layer with a smooth, velvety texture and unmistakable flavor.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The cheddar brings sharpness while the mozzarella contributes that irresistible stretchy cheese pull we all love.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version

Transform this dish into a veggie powerhouse by adding 1-2 cups of additional vegetables. Try diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or frozen mixed vegetables added when you sauté the onions and peppers.

Tex-Mex Twist

Swap the Italian seasoning for 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, add a can of drained black beans, and replace the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a delicious crunch.

Potato Base Option

For a pasta-free version, substitute Yukon Gold potatoes as mentioned in the recipe notes. The creamy potatoes provide a wonderful alternative base that pairs beautifully with the savory beef mixture.

Lighter Version

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the amount of shredded cheese on top.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess fat. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper in the remaining fat for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!).

Step 3: Create the Meat Sauce

Return the beef to the skillet and add the drained tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pasta

While the meat sauce simmers, cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cubed cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter to the hot pasta and mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the creamy pasta mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. If you’d like a more golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook your pasta (1-2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in your finished casserole.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Cold cream cheese will leave unwanted lumps in your creamy sauce.
Layer with Purpose: The layering technique creates distinct flavors in each bite rather than mixing everything together, which would muddle the textures and flavors.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Taking a minute to shred your own will result in a creamier, more luxurious cheese top.
Rest Before Serving: Those 10 minutes of resting time aren’t optional! They allow the casserole to set up properly so it can be served in neat portions rather than falling apart.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that balance its richness. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or garlic green beans.

Bread on the Side

Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the perfect vessel for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate – because you won’t want to waste a drop!

Casual Entertaining

For a casual dinner party, set up a toppings bar with extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and hot sauce so guests can customize their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this casserole perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

I don’t recommend freezing this casserole due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute for beef in this recipe. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil when browning it to ensure the meat remains moist and flavorful. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious with all the other components of the dish.
What if I don’t have shell pasta on hand?

Any medium-sized pasta shape works wonderfully in this recipe. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni make excellent substitutes. The key is choosing a shape that will hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they don’t work as well in layered casseroles.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (most brands are, but some contain malt vinegar). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when it’s heated through and bubbling around the edges, usually after 25-30 minutes. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch. The cheese on top should be completely melted and starting to turn a light golden color.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a solution for busy nights, a comfort on cold evenings, and a guaranteed way to bring smiles to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy elements, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished family favorite. Whether you make it exactly as written or put your own spin on it with one of the variations, I’m confident this casserole will find a permanent place in your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight and discover your new go-to comfort food!