Hamburger Supreme Casserole
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping. Combining ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance the dish and make serving it a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 Ib ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat for a lighter finish.
- While the beef cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To the browned beef mixture, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and drained mushrooms. This will create a rich and savory sauce that coats the ingredients beautifully.
- In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer half the beef mixture, followed by half the cooked macaroni, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, reserving a portion of cheese for the topping.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into the layers.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Each bite delivers a cozy combination of tender meat, creamy sauce, and cheesy satisfaction.
Notes
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole
1. Choose the Right Ground Beef
For a flavorful yet not overly greasy casserole, opt for 85/15 ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat). If you use a higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain the excess grease after browning to prevent a greasy texture.2. Enhance the Flavor
- Season the Meat Well: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce while browning the beef.
- Saute Aromatics: Sauté onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the beef to deepen the flavor.
- Use a Flavorful Sauce: Instead of plain tomato sauce, mix in marinara sauce, Rotel tomatoes, or even a combination of tomato soup and sour cream for a creamy twist.
3. Pick the Right Pasta
Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work best as they hold up well when baked and absorb the sauce for a rich flavor. Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue cooking in the oven.4. Layer for Maximum Taste
For the best texture, layer your casserole:- Start with a base of cooked pasta.
- Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly.
- Add a cheese layer (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend).
- Repeat if desired, then top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.Serving Tricks to Impress
1. Portioning for Easy Serving
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Use a spatula or large serving spoon to neatly scoop portions.
2. Creative Serving Ideas
- Family Style: Serve directly from the casserole dish at the dinner table.
- Individual Servings: Scoop portions into ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a gourmet touch.
- Buffet Style: Cut into squares and place on a serving platter for potlucks or parties.
3. Garnishing for Extra Appeal
Enhance presentation and taste by adding fresh garnishes:- Chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.
- A dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- Sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for spice.
- A drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
4. Pairing Suggestions
Balance the hearty dish with a light side:- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Bread: Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
5. Leftover Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Tips for a Perfect Hamburger Supreme Casserole
- Choose Quality Ingredients
Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and reduced grease. Fresh vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms enhance the flavor and texture, while shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese provides a creamy finish. - Season Strategically
Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika while cooking. For added depth, stir in Worcestershire sauce or a dash of mustard. Always taste-test before assembling the casserole. - Layer Smartly
Create even layers for a consistent bite. Start with cooked pasta or potatoes as the base, followed by the seasoned beef mixture. Add a creamy element like condensed soup (cream of mushroom or tomato) mixed with sour cream or milk before topping with cheese. - Bake and Garnish Thoughtfully
Cover the casserole with foil to prevent over-browning, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley or diced green onions for color and a fresh pop of flavor.