A comforting weeknight favorite, 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole (Quick & Easy) is the ultimate one-dish dinner that comes together in under an hour with pantry staples.
This cheesy, hearty bake layers pasta, seasoned ground beef, and tomato soup under a blanket of melty cheese—perfect for feeding a hungry family fast.
Ingredients
Medium pasta shells – These cozy little pasta cups hold onto the savory sauce and meat, adding texture and heartiness to every bite.
Ground beef – Juicy and flavorful, it’s the foundation of the casserole’s rich, savory taste.
Tomato soup – Adds sweetness and a creamy tomato base that binds the casserole together without needing a separate sauce.
Shredded cheddar – Sharp and melty, it brings bold flavor and that irresistible cheese pull on top.
How to Make This Easy Casserole
Start by boiling your pasta just until tender, then drain and set aside. While that cooks, brown your ground beef in a skillet with garlic, salt, and pepper until fully cooked and crumbled.
Add the tomato soup, a splash of water, and half of the cheese to the beef mixture, then stir in the cooked pasta. Cook it all together briefly to let the flavors meld.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and cover with foil. Bake until bubbly, then uncover and broil briefly for golden, crisp cheese.
Want to level up your 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole?
Use Italian seasoning, onion powder, or smoked paprika for a richer flavor base. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
If you’re feeling bold, toss in a handful of frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness without complicating the recipe.
For a creamier twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of milk to the tomato soup mixture before combining.
This casserole is also a great clean-out-the-fridge recipe—mix in leftover veggies or even stir in cooked bacon or sausage for a different take.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual servings with a splash of water to keep it moist.
4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 10 oz cans tomato soup
- Garlic powder salt, and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1 lb box medium pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells as instructed on the package, then drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it apart and seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, incorporate the drained pasta, tomato soup, water, and half of the shredded cheeses into the skillet. Stir the mixture well and allow it to cook together for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly distribute the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. For a golden cheese topping, activate the broiler during the final 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Serve hot and refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days.