This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious! With just four simple ingredients, I can make a cheesy, meaty casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I need a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quickly this dish comes together – in just 35 minutes, it’s ready to serve. The combination of savory ground beef, marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Plus, it’s super easy to customize if I want to add a few extra ingredients, but even with just four, it’s incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until well coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
I can easily mix this recipe up depending on what I have on hand. Here are some ideas:
Add some sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use a different cheese, like cheddar, for a different cheesy twist.
Top the casserole with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a pop of freshness.
Storage/Reheating
This casserole stores well in the fridge. After it cools, I place any leftovers in an airtight container, and it keeps for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I can place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can! I often swap out rotini or penne with any pasta I have on hand, like fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni.
Can I freeze the 4-ingredient hamburger casserole?
Definitely! If I want to freeze it, I let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
If I want to add a little heat, I can toss in some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even chopped jalapeños into the marinara sauce while it’s simmering.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! I can prepare everything ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake it, I just need to pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No problem! If I don’t have marinara sauce, I can use any tomato-based sauce, like spaghetti sauce, or even a jar of pizza sauce. It will still be delicious.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights. With its comforting combination of beef, pasta, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile, so I can tweak it to suit my tastes and whatever I have in my pantry. Give it a try the next time you need a fast, hearty dinner.
📖 Recipe:
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4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is an easy and delicious comfort food that comes together in just 35 minutes. Packed with ground beef, marinara sauce, pasta, and mozzarella cheese, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings for added flavor, or keep it simple for a quick meal that satisfies. It’s a hearty, cheesy casserole the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish.
Experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar, for a new twist.
Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
