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This soul-warming hamburger bake turns basic staples into a filling dinner that'll make everyone happy. Mixing soft shell pasta, flavorful ground beef, and smooth tomato sauce creates a dish that always brings the family running to dinner with big smiles.
I whipped this up the first time my fussy nephew visited for dinner, and he actually asked for more. Now it's my go-to when I need a dinner that'll definitely empty everyone's plates.
What You'll Need
- Medium pasta shells: They catch all the yummy sauce and cheese in every mouthful
- Ground beef: Gives that filling protein kick and turns nice and brown for extra taste
- Canned tomato soup: Makes the sauce creamy without any fuss
- Shredded cheddar: Adds that punchy cheese flavor we all want
- Shredded mozzarella: Creates those amazing stretchy cheese pulls everyone goes crazy for
- Water: Thins the sauce just right so it's not too thick
- Garlic powder: Gives the meat that wonderful savory kick
- Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors together perfectly
Cooking Guide
- Get Your Pasta Ready:
- Boil the pasta shells following the box instructions until they're firm but not hard. Don't cook them too long since they'll soften more in the oven. Drain them well so your casserole isn't watery.
- Cook The Meat:
- Put your ground beef in a big pan over medium heat and cook until you don't see any pink. Break it up into tiny bits while it cooks for the best texture. Throw in plenty of garlic powder, salt and pepper to make it tasty.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Put the drained pasta, both soup cans, some water, and half your cheese mix into the pan with your cooked beef. Mix it all up and let it simmer for a couple minutes so the flavors start blending together.
- Put It In The Oven:
- Dump everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread it out flat. Sprinkle all the leftover cheese on top to make a nice melty layer. Cover with foil and stick it in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Get It Golden:
- Take the foil off and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese gets all bubbly. If you want it extra tasty, flip on the broiler for the last few minutes to make the cheese turn golden and crusty.
Tomato soup makes this dish really special. My grandma always picked it over regular pasta sauce, and that little bit of sweetness works so well with the savory beef. Whenever I make this, I think about her kitchen and how she showed me that simple food often makes the most unforgettable meals.
Switch Things Up
This hamburger dish is super flexible depending on what you've got. Swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. Any pasta works fine too - try twisty rotini, tube-shaped penne, or curved elbows if that's what's in your cabinet. No matter what changes you make, it'll still give you that warm, cozy feeling.
Keeping Leftovers
This bake stays good in the fridge for about three days if you keep it in a sealed container. To warm it up, cover with foil and stick it in a 350°F oven for around 20 minutes until it's hot all the way through. You can also zap single portions in the microwave for a minute or two. If it looks dry when reheating, just add a splash of water first.
What To Serve With It
Round out your meal with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance the richness. Some garlic bread works great for mopping up extra sauce from your plate. If you want a bigger spread, some roasted broccoli or carrots go really well with the flavors and add some healthy stuff to your dinner too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! Swap the shells for penne, macaroni, or any pasta you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
- → Is it okay to add veggies to this dish?
Yes! Toss in some diced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers while cooking the beef to up the flavor and nutrition.
- → Are there alternative cheese options?
Switch up the flavor with Monterey Jack, Colby, or any cheese combo you enjoy to suit your taste.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead?
You can! Assemble the ingredients, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and add a little extra baking time before serving.
- → How do I keep and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for three days tops. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or zap individual portions in the microwave.