There’s something deeply comforting about a casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with the kind of warmth that feels like a hug. This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is one of those dishes—simple, hearty, and packed with nostalgia. I first had it at a potluck years ago, tucked between a plate of deviled eggs and a basket of buttery rolls. One bite, and I was smitten. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy the day has been.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe leans on pantry staples, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer 85/15 for the perfect balance of richness without too much grease.
- 1 small onion, diced – Yellow or white onions work best here, adding a subtle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – The creamy backbone of this casserole. If you’re not a mushroom fan, cream of chicken works just as well.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds tang and richness. Full-fat is my go-to for the best texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk keeps the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – A little umami boost that makes all the difference.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skimp—season as you go!
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles – The perfect vehicle for all that saucy goodness. Cook them just shy of al dente since they’ll soften in the oven.
Let’s Make It Together
This casserole comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. There’s nothing worse than scrubbing stuck-on cheese later!
- Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. When it’s halfway done, add the onion and garlic, stirring until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease—this keeps the casserole from being too heavy.
- Whisk together the soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning—this is your chance to make it just right.
- Combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, and sauce in the prepared baking dish, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top—because more cheese is always a good idea.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—patience rewards you with the perfect scoop!
Tip: If the top isn’t as crispy as you’d like, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. Just keep an eye on it—cheese can go from golden to charred in seconds!
Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This Hamburger Supreme Casserole is wonderfully flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some ideas to customize it:
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Cheese lovers: Try mixing in a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for extra gooey goodness.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: A dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of diced jalapeños will give it a kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or swap the noodles for cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Hamburger Supreme Casserole
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round it out perfectly:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your casserole tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Egg noodles, penne, or rotini all work well—just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in carbs?
Definitely! Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or celery soup makes a great substitute, or you can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven—especially one as hearty and satisfying as this Hamburger Supreme. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this dish is sure to hit the spot. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintHamburger Supreme Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.