Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe

Casseroles are a beloved staple in many households because of their comfort, versatility, and the ease with which they can feed a crowd. One of the most crowd-pleasing variations is the Hamburger Supreme Casserole. This dish combines classic hamburger ingredients with a mix of savory cheeses, pasta, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful meal that is perfect for weeknights or potlucks. If you're looking for a hearty, delicious dish that will have your family coming back for seconds, you've come to the right place! Read on to discover the best Hamburger Supreme Casserole recipe and everything you need to know to make this dish a hit.

What is Hamburger Supreme Casserole?

Hamburger Supreme Casserole is an oven-baked dish that combines seasoned ground beef (the "hamburger" part) with pasta, cheese, and a variety of vegetables, all mixed together in a creamy or tomato-based sauce. It's a wonderful comfort food that’s easy to prepare and highly customizable, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and more relaxed weekend gatherings.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

Here's a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
2. Pasta: 2 cups of cooked pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
3. Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
4. Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced
5. Bell Peppers: 1 bell pepper (green, red, or a mix), diced
6. Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (undrained)
7. Tomato Sauce: 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
8. Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
9. Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
10. Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
11. Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream
12. Salt and Pepper: To taste
13. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
14. Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
15. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
16. Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Ingredients List for Variations of Hamburger Supreme Casserole

One of the best things about casseroles is how easy they are to customize. Here are some optional ingredients and variations to suit your tastes:

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
2. Vegetable Additions: You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make the dish heartier and more nutritious.
3. Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
4. Cream Cheese: Add 4 oz of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
5. Taco Seasoning: For a Tex-Mex twist, swap the Italian seasoning with 1 packet of taco seasoning.
6. Chopped Bacon: For a smoky flavor, mix in cooked bacon bits.
7. Tortilla Chips: Crumble tortilla chips on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
8. Salsa: Replace diced tomatoes with salsa for extra zest.
9. Black Beans or Corn: These can be added for a southwestern spin.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're out of certain ingredients or want to cater to dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions you can make:

• Pasta Substitutes: Use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• Meat Alternatives: Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version, or skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
• Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make the dish vegan or dairy-free.
• Soup Substitute: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to cook! Follow these steps to make your Hamburger Supreme Casserole:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove any excess grease from the pan.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the Sauces: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes.
6. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

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

Let’s break it down further:

1. Prepping and Cooking: Start by cooking the pasta to an al dente texture. You don’t want the pasta to be too soft since it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Brown the Meat: Browning the beef separately ensures it develops a deep flavor. Don’t forget to drain the fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the casserole brings out their natural sweetness and ensures they are fully cooked.
4. Assemble Thoughtfully: Mixing the ingredients ensures the beef, pasta, and sauce are well-coated before baking. Make sure the cheese topping covers the casserole evenly for a beautiful golden finish.
5. Baking for Perfection: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. You want the cheese to be melted and slightly golden but not overdone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to cook the pasta al dente, as it will soften more while baking.
• Too Much Liquid: If you add too much sauce or don't drain the beef well, your casserole might become too watery.
• Underseasoning: Season your beef and vegetable mixture as it cooks to ensure a flavorful result.
• Cheese Overload: While cheese is delicious, too much of it can make the dish greasy rather than creamy and balanced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of a casserole is that it’s naturally rustic and hearty. However, you can still elevate its presentation with these simple tips:

1. Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or even chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Crispy Topping: Adding breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or tortilla chips as a final topping before baking will add a delightful crunch.
3. Side Dishes: Serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.

How to Serve Hamburger Supreme Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can serve it in the baking dish, allowing guests or family members to scoop out portions themselves. If you’re looking for an elevated touch, serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and some tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Supreme Casserole

• Family-Style: Serve directly from the casserole dish on a trivet at the dining table.
• Individual Servings: Plate it in small ramekins for individual servings.
• Rustic Charm: Add rustic charm by serving from a cast-iron skillet or ceramic baking dish.

Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your casserole is a smashing success:

• Prep in Advance: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the casserole’s texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your soup and seasonings are gluten-free as well.
3. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container before freezing.
4. How long will leftovers last? Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
5. Can I make it spicy? Add some heat with red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Supreme Casserole is the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With its rich layers of ground beef, pasta, cheese, and seasonings, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences, and remember to follow the tips provided for the best results. Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!

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