If you're looking for a comforting, hearty dish that's both easy to make and full of flavor, look no further than the Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole. This classic casserole is a family favorite, combining ground beef, tender noodles, creamy sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Stick around as we guide you through the recipe, offering tips and tricks along the way to ensure your Hamburger Supreme Casserole turns out perfect every time. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and more!

What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a delicious and versatile baked dish that features ground beef as the star ingredient. It’s typically combined with pasta or potatoes, a creamy sauce, and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This dish is great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping since it reheats well. It’s also customizable, making it easy to swap in different ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or a crowd, this casserole is sure to please.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this comforting Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional, for a bit of heat)
1 cup sour cream
1 package (8 oz) egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a rich, cheesy casserole with layers of flavor that are bound to satisfy. Feel free to add more or less of each depending on your taste preferences.

Ingredient List for Substitutions and Variations

One of the beauties of Hamburger Supreme Casserole is its versatility. If you're out of certain ingredients or want to switch things up, here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:

Ground Beef: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Egg Noodles: Substitute egg noodles with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with water, or even jarred marinara sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but feel free to mix it up with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-intolerant or vegan option.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, providing the same creamy texture with less fat and more protein.
Vegetables: Add in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor. You can also replace the noodles with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.

The sky’s the limit with the variations for this casserole, so feel free to get creative with your substitutions!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Hamburger Supreme Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole in no time:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly once it’s assembled.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add tomatoes and chiles: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chiles (if using) to the beef mixture. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Mix the creamy layer: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well blended.
Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering the noodle mixture at the bottom. Then, spread the ground beef and tomato mixture over the noodles. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: Ensure you cook the egg noodles just until al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy noodles after baking, which can ruin the texture of the dish.
Not draining excess grease: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess fat. Too much grease will make the casserole overly oily.
Forgetting to season: While there’s plenty of flavor from the ingredients, don’t forget to season your beef and noodles properly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bland meat can lead to a less flavorful casserole.
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your casserole in the oven. Overbaking can cause the cheese to become too hard and crispy rather than melted and gooey.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

This casserole is best served hot from the oven. It’s a filling meal on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides like a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a cucumber tomato salad. The casserole is also ideal for potlucks or gatherings because it can feed a crowd and holds up well when reheated.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

While casseroles are traditionally rustic, you can still make your Hamburger Supreme Casserole look appetizing by:

Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color.
Adding a drizzle of sour cream or a light swirl of tomato sauce on the plate for an elegant touch.
Serving it in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for a fun, personal presentation.

Remember, even simple dishes like casseroles can shine with just a little attention to detail in presentation!

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

Meal prep: Make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you're ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze Hamburger Supreme Casserole?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and add extra vegetables for more nutrients.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can add different flavors to the casserole.

Conclusion

The Easy Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. With its rich layers of ground beef, tender noodles, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, with endless variations and make-ahead options, it’s a versatile recipe you can adapt to suit your tastes and schedule. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this simple casserole becomes a household favorite!

Ready to wow your family with this delicious recipe? Get cooking and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this easy casserole tonight!