• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Yummy Bowl
  • Browse by Category
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • One-Pot Meals
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Pasta
    • Sandwiches & Wraps
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Cooking Tips and Ideas
    • Popular Recipes
  • Browse by Season
    • Fall
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Winter
  • Browse by Protein
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Fish
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » One-Pot Meals

Quick Hamburger Casserole (With Homemade Mushroom Soup!)

Sep 7, 2022 · Last updated: Apr 2, 2025 by Julia · 15 Comments · this post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
hamburger casserole.

Hamburger Casserole is a tasty alternative to making individual hamburgers and macaroni for the entire family and friends.

This busy weeknight dinner recipe is meal prep friendly, made with homemade mushroom soup and just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!

baked hamburger casserole with cheese

Hamburger Casserole

We love using beef in our house, it is convenient and budget friendly.

There are a ton of popular ground beef recipes you can make, try: ground beef and sweet potato skillet, ground beef and cabbage, or beef enchilada casserole.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.

Hamburger Casserole Video

Is Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole the Same as Hamburger Helper?

Hamburger helper is a commercially packaged mix of pasta and powdered seasonings added to cooked ground beef.

Old-fashioned hamburger casserole is essentially a homemade version, using similar ingredients but all prepared from scratch in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Pasta - you can use any pasta for this casserole, but smaller tubular varieties like macaroni are great for catching ground beef and sauce. For gluten free I like to use red lentil pasta, elbow macaroni and rotini.
  • Ground beef - lean ground beef is best if you want to reduce fat content, but regular beef or a mix with pork can work. Choose ground chicken or turkey for leaner alternatives.
  • Canned Soup - I prefer canned tomato soup and mushroom soup for this casserole.
  • Onion and garlic - can't skip this, these aromatics add so much flavor to the ground beef.
  • Half and half - this adds creaminess. Use a mix of cream and milk if you lack half and half.
  • Cheese - Colby Jack, cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella cheese are great for this casserole.
  • Seasoning - I've added salt, pepper, paprika, and dried parsley to the casserole, with extra on top before baking. For more heat, add chili powder. Italian herbs or seasoning would also be tasty additions.

Step by step photos can be found below the recipe card.

How To Make Hamburger Casserole - Step By Step Photos

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 C) and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Once cooled, return to pot or mixing bowl. Don't overcook. Tip: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente beforehand.
  3. Meanwhile, sauté onion with a olive oil until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Add ground beef, more oil if needed and cook until just browned.
  5. In the pasta pot, stir in browned beef, tomato and mushroom soups, and half and half. Season with salt and black ground pepper, smoked paprika, parsley.
  6. Transfer pasta mixture to casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
  7. During the last 5 minutes, add cheese on top and bake until melted. Sprinkle extra paprika and parsley before serving. Enjoy while cheese is still melty.
drained cooked pasta in a strainer
sauces added to pasta in a pot
pasta casserole topped with cheese before baking
hamburger casserole with cheese and macaronis.
baked hamburger casserole with cheese

Tips

  • Grate the cheese yourself. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes best.
  • Cook pasta separately to avoid undercooked casserole.
  • Adjust boiling time if using different pasta, like egg noodles.
  • Bulk up this casserole recipe with veggies like bell peppers, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, or green peppers.
  • Don't leave this casserole out at room temperature for too long because of the creamy ingredients and meat.
  • If you end up buying too much ground beef, make my beef Lettuce Wraps for your next recipe.
baked hamburger casserole with cheese
mushroom soup in a jar.

featured recipe

Cream Of Mushroom Soup

This homemade version is perfect for pasta, casseroles and this hamburger recipe!

Get the recipe →

Serving Suggestions

  • stack of sweet and spicy jalapeno cornbread muffins
    Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
  • Cold Pasta Salad With Smoked Sausage-The Yummy Bowl
    Cold Italian Pasta Salad With Salami
  • a bowl of roasted beets and carrots.
    Honey Roasted Beets and Carrots
  • potato salad on a green plate bowl
    Potato Salad Recipe (No Eggs)

Storing Leftovers

  • Store. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for u to 3-4 days. Let the casserole cool before refrigerating.
  • Freeze. Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or keep it in the same dish, tightly covered, and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bake covered in foil at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add more cheese in the last 5 minutes and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
  • Make ahead. Assemble the casserole dish, refrigerate for 1-2 days, then let it come to room temperature before baking according to the recipe instructions.

How To Meal Prep

Prepare the casserole until the Step 7 as directed placing the casserole mixture into baking dish.

Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 1 day. When ready to serve, continue baking as directed adding cheese during the last 5 minutes.

Easy Weeknight Casseroles

  • cabbage casserole on a spoon.
    Old Fashioned Cabbage Casserole
  • taco casserole with diced tomatoes avocado and cilantro
    Taco Casserole With Tortillas (So Easy!)
  • meatball baked ziti.
    Baked Meatball Casserole (Baked Ziti)
  • chicken broccoli rice casserole.
    Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

ALL ONE-POT & CASSEROLE Recipes.

Did You Like This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Recipe Card

macaroni hamburger casserole.

Quick Hamburger Casserole Recipe (With Homemade Mushroom Soup)

Julia
Discover a hearty Hamburger Casserole that combines juicy ground beef with savory vegetables and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner!
4.79 from 19 votes
Print SaveSaved! Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 small servings
Calories 546 kcal

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.

INGREDIENTS
  

  • 12 ounce pasta, of your choice, I used fusilli (340 g)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided (for cooking beef, aromatics and greasing the dish)
  • 1 onion, chopped (about ½ cup chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed (about 2 heaping teaspoon)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef , or a mix of beef and pork (450 grams)
  • 2 cups canned tomato soup, condensed, (500 grams)
  • 2 cups canned mushroom soup, see notes, (500 grams)
  • ¾ cup half and half, (177 ml)
  • ¾ cup Colby jack cheese or cheddar shredded
  • salt, black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika + more on top, we love smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley + more on top

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 C) and spray a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Once cooled, return to pot or mixing bowl. Don't overcook.
    12 ounce pasta
  • Meanwhile, sauté onion with a little oil until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Add ground beef, more oil if needed and cook until just browned. Drain if needed and set aside.
    1 pound lean ground beef
  • In the pasta pot, stir in browned beef, tomato and mushroom soups, and half and half.
    2 cups canned tomato soup, condensed, 2 cups canned mushroom soup, ¾ cup half and half
  • Season with salt and black ground pepper, smoked paprika, parsley.
    salt, black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika + more on top, ½ teaspoon dried parsley + more on top
  • Transfer pasta mixture to casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add cheese on top and bake until melted.
    ¾ cup Colby jack cheese or cheddar shredded
  • Sprinkle extra paprika and parsley before serving. Enjoy while cheese is still melty.

VIDEO

NOTES

  • When you cook the pasta, it needs to be al dente, and it is fine if it is even a little crunchy inside. A little. Then it will absorb all the sauce PERFECTLY. Whatever you do, do not overcook the pasta.
  • My recipe for Condensed Mushroom Soup.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 1-2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For make-ahead, assemble and refrigerate for 1-2 days, then bake as directed.
     
     

ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

Click here to add your own private notes.

NUTRITION

Calories: 546kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 28gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 985mgPotassium: 709mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 348IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

Hamburger Casserole: FAQs

How many carbs are in a hamburger casserole?

A standard serving of a hamburger casserole can average around 450 calories, although this will differ from recipe to recipe depending on the ingredients used and the size of portions served.

Can you eat 2 day old casserole?

If the baked casserole was cooled and refrigerated right after then yes, it is safe to consume it within 3-4 days.

Does casserole have to have cheese?

Not always. Cheese adds a nice melty topping layer but you can also mix it into the casserole or leave it out entirely and garnish the casserole with herbs before serving (for a pretty presentation!).

You'll Also Love

  • cheeseburger macaroni pasta with beef skillet
    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • one pot chicken fajita pasta skillet.
    Chicken Fajita Pasta
  • Eggplant Pasta
    Tomato Eggplant Pasta
  • Gigi Hadids Vodka Pasta in a white pot
    Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe (Spicy Vodka Pasta)
« Cream Of Mushroom Soup (Campbell’s Copycat)
Hamburger Foil Packets - Easy Hobo Dinner (Oven or Grill) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jamie Lynn Chandler

    September 11, 2024 at 1:00 am

    we fixed this and it is bland and we want be making it again

    Reply
  2. Sue

    June 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    I am going to make this tonight, so just wanting some clarification....do you add 4 cups of just the condensed soup, no water added? Thank you. Look forward to making it:)

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      June 21, 2023 at 10:20 pm

      no this is not needed. BUT you have to be careful when cooking the pasta, it needs to be al dente and not overcooked. You have already plenty liquid ingredients here but every store bought condensed soup is different and thickness may vary. If you want to add water, use a larger casserole dish. Pasta will keep absorbing the sauce as it cools so it is better to eat it right away.

      Reply
  3. Katrina

    October 09, 2022 at 1:51 am

    Hi. What do you mean by half and half 150mls? Thanks

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      October 10, 2022 at 6:05 am

      it's 3/4 cups. But I remeasured in ML and it is actually 170-177ml, thank you!

      Reply
  4. TC

    September 27, 2022 at 1:02 am

    4 stars
    Made this tonight. I thought it was just okay. The sauce is a little thick for me. My family ate it and said they liked it. I think the recipe should list the size of the casserole dish to use and should say whether to cover or not when cooking. If I made again, I would reduce the amount of soup and add cheese to mixture as well as to top.

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      October 03, 2022 at 6:17 pm

      hi TC! I used 8 x 11 casserole but in the blog post, I did recommend larger one. I did not cover mine. You say the sauce was thick, there can be a couple of reasons. I think it will depend on the canned soups used, if the amount of pasta was correct and the pasta not overcooked. Pasta dishes are actually simple but they do absorb a looot of sauce, especially when overcooked. Hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
    • Kitt

      October 14, 2022 at 3:59 am

      4 stars
      Made this tonight and it was very soupy. Not sure what I did wrong. Tasted great though!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        October 15, 2022 at 6:59 pm

        hi Kitt! What condensed sous did you use?

      • Kitt

        October 19, 2022 at 9:19 am

        I only used condensed tomato soup as that's all i had.
        Have to say though.. the next day it had soaked into the pasta quite a bit so it was much less liquidy.

  5. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

    September 07, 2022 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    The ultimate hearty ground beef pasta casserole that anyone can easily make. Pasta cooked in layers of tomato and mushroom sauce, onion, garlic, spices and ground beef.

    Reply
    • Christine

      September 12, 2022 at 4:13 am

      3 stars
      You should never oil pasta. It will come apart when mixed in with other ingredients. If you oil it, it won't obsurb the flavors or sauce as much. Thanks

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        September 26, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        hi Christine! Yes definetly, thanks for pointing this out. I edited the instructions and also added that pasta should be rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process.

    • Meg Kelly

      June 10, 2023 at 1:21 am

      Could you explain please, half and half what? The recipe looks good, thanks Meg Kelly

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        June 18, 2023 at 1:26 am

        Hi Meg! Half and half is simply a mixture of equal parts whole milk and cream.

4.79 from 19 votes (15 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

Readers Favorites

  • oatmeal cookies.
    No Sugar Added Healthy Breakfast Cookies (With Dried Fruit and Nuts)
  • a stack of banana oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips
    Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips
  • slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs
    Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Slow Cooker)
  • cabbage roll casserole with cheese.
    Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole (with Ground Beef)
  • marinated cucumber tomato onion salad.
    Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad (5 Minutes To Assemble)
  • roasted asparagus with cheese and tomatoes.
    Roasted Asparagus With Parmesan (And Tomatoes)

Connect With Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

↑ back to top

About

Contact

Services

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Terms & Conditions

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Youtube

Copyright © 2021 The Yummy Bowl

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.