Name: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (24 oz) jar of tomato-based pasta sauce (like marinara or meat sauce)

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Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’ve ever had one of those weeknights where you desperately need something hearty, easy, and family-approved without rummaging through the pantry for hours—this 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole recipe is about to become your new best friend. Right after the title, let me say it proudly: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish with maximum flavor and minimum fuss.

It’s humble, it’s hearty, and honestly? It’s pretty magical what four everyday ingredients can do when they come together in one bubbly, golden, delicious bake. If you’d like to have this recipe (and more like it!) delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe below. I share recipes just like this—budget-friendly, cozy, and totally doable!

What Is Hamburger Casserole?

This recipe is the definition of simplicity in a dish. It’s a baked casserole made from cooked ground beef (hamburger), pasta, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese. That’s it. Four ingredients. And yet? It tastes like the best kind of weeknight magic.

Whether you call it hamburger casserole, beef bake, or your “get-dinner-on-the-table-fast” dish, it’s a one-pan wonder that families have been leaning on for decades.

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

Minimal Ingredients: Four simple pantry/fridge staples. No guesswork!
Quick Prep: Just a few steps before it’s in the oven.
Kid-Approved: Cheesy, beefy, saucy goodness—what’s not to love?
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier and bake when you’re ready.
Budget-Friendly: Every ingredient is easy on the wallet.

What Does 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Taste Like?

Think savory ground beef tucked into tender pasta, all enveloped in a tangy tomato hug and finished with golden melted cheese. It’s like a classic American lasagna’s laid-back cousin—less layered, more cozy, and just as satisfying.

The Benefits of This Casserole

Protein-packed thanks to the ground beef
Comfort food appeal without being overly heavy
No complicated steps or chopping needed
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

You won’t need a long shopping list here—just four essential ingredients that most of us already have on hand.

1 lb ground beef
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (24 oz) jar of tomato-based pasta sauce (like marinara or meat sauce)

That’s it! These four create the base flavor, and trust me, it’s deeply satisfying just as it is.

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Casserole dish (9×13-inch works great)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)

Ingredient Additions and Easy Swaps

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Add-ins (Optional but Delicious):

A pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the beef
Diced onion or bell pepper (cook with beef)
A layer of ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess
Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish

Swaps:

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Gluten-free pasta works great
Try mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar
Use homemade marinara if you’ve got some on hand

How to Make 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole

This comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time, then it’s off to the oven to do its cozy magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta until just al dente (it will keep cooking in the oven), then drain.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Mix it all together! In a large bowl (or directly in the casserole dish), combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, and pasta sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Transfer to the casserole dish, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!! Warm, meaty, cheesy aroma = instant cozy home vibes.

What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole

To make it a full meal, here are a few easy sides:

Garlic bread or a toasted baguette
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Coleslaw for a crunch contrast

Tips for the Best Hamburger Casserole

Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
Use a flavorful sauce. Since we’re working with few ingredients, a tasty sauce makes all the difference.
Let it rest before serving. Just 5–10 minutes out of the oven helps everything settle.
Double and freeze one. This casserole freezes beautifully before baking—perfect for meal prep!

Storage Instructions

In the fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Assemble (but don’t bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 more minutes until bubbly.

To reheat:
Microwave individual portions or reheat the full dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

General Information

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty level: Super easy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use rice instead of pasta?

Yes, cooked rice can work as a substitute, though the texture will be softer and more like a cheesy beef bake than a pasta casserole.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not at all! But if you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and lentils.

Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s warm, filling, and flexible enough to take on whatever you’ve got in your fridge. And the best part? It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds.

If you loved this one, be sure to check out these other easy and delicious dinners:

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta
One-Pot Taco Pasta
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef

Let’s Stay Connected!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a review below or share your photo on Pinterest and tag me. Did you add your own twist? I’m always inspired by your versions!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):

Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g