Hearty Hamburger Supreme Casserole: Easy Comfort Food (Print Version)

Hamburger Supreme Casserole brings easy comfort. This hearty, personal recipe for a supreme casserole is loaded with flavor, perfect for family meals.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1 cup (110g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 1 (8 oz / 227g) can tomato sauce

→ Dairy & Cheese Layer

07 - 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
08 - 2 cups (220g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
12 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Optional Finishing Touch

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get that ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits, hon. This is where the flavor starts, so don't rush it. I always drain the fat really well; I learned the hard way that a greasy casserole is a sad casserole. That sizzle and smell of browning beef? Pure kitchen magic.
02 - Once your beef is drained, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften up, about 5-7 minutes, until they're fragrant and translucent. Don't let the garlic burn; that's a mistake I’ve made too many times, and it just makes everything bitter. This step builds so much flavor for our Hamburger Supreme Casserole, so take your time.
03 - Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir it all together, bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let that goodness bubble away for about 10-15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld. I love how the kitchen smells at this point—it’s just so comforting!
04 - While the sauce is simmering, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions. Remember, al dente is your friend here! You don't want mushy pasta in your Hamburger Supreme Casserole. Drain it well, but don't rinse it; we want that starch to help the sauce cling.
05 - In a large bowl, or directly in your (now empty) beef skillet if it’s big enough, combine the cooked macaroni, the rich meat sauce, and the milk. Stir it all gently until everything is evenly coated. This is where I sometimes make a mess, but it’s worth it. Make sure every noodle gets some sauce love!
06 - Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle that generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Oh, the aroma of a baking Hamburger Supreme Casserole is just divine!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook your pasta before baking; it'll get mushy in the oven, a mistake I learned the hard way.
02 - Always drain the beef fat thoroughly; a greasy casserole is a no-go for me.
03 - Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; it helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny.
04 - A dash of smoked paprika in the meat sauce adds a surprising depth of flavor; I discovered this by accident once, and it's now a staple!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - large pot
03 - 9x13 inch baking dish
04 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

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