Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to throw together but still packs a punch, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe. I remember the first time I made it — my family couldn’t get enough, and honestly, neither could I! It’s creamy, cheesy, and super satisfying, yet only takes a handful of ingredients and about 45 minutes to pull off. Stick with me, because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks so your version comes out perfectly every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe serves a delicious purpose. They come together to create a creamy, comforting dish with just the right balance of savory and melty cheese. The great news? You can grab these without breaking a sweat at any grocery store, and they keep it simple so you can focus on enjoying the cooking experience.

• Medium pasta shells: They hold onto the sauce and cheese perfectly, making every bite rich and saucy.
• Ground beef: I use 80/20 for great flavor and a little juiciness; leaner options work, but you might add a touch of oil.
• Tomato soup: The secret ingredient for that cozy tomato flavor and velvety texture without fuss.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic tangy cheesiness everyone loves.
• Mozzarella cheese: I like adding mozzarella because it melts to gooey perfection and browns beautifully under the broiler.
• Water: Just enough to loosen the tomato soup so it coats the pasta and beef evenly.
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Your basic seasoning heroes to bring out the best in the beef and overall dish.

Variations

I love that this Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe is a total canvas for your kitchen creativity. Whether you want to add veggies, make it gluten-free, or turn up the spice, this recipe is super adaptable — and I encourage you to make it your own!

• Add veggies: I’ve tossed in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach when I want to sneak in some greens without losing anyone’s enthusiasm.
• Use different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or fontina for a slightly different melting texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: A dash of chili powder or smoked paprika can bring a delightful smoky kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and check your tomato soup label to keep it safe.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your medium pasta shells according to the package directions—usually around 9 to 11 minutes—until they’re al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to blend beautifully in the casserole. Drain well and set aside. I like to give the pasta a quick rinse under warm water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Seasoning

While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper — I find this simple seasoning really elevates that beefy flavor. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Soup, and Cheese

Now here’s the magic step: add the cooked pasta, both cans of tomato soup, half a cup of water, and half of your shredded cheddar and mozzarella right into the skillet with the browned beef. Give everything a good stir and cook on medium for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese begins to melt into that cozy sauce. Keep an eye on it—it should be bubbling gently but not drying out.

Step 4: Bake to Goey Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered to get that cheese melty and golden. If you want to really impress, pop the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the cheese until it’s bubbling and browned just right — it’s my favorite finishing touch!

Serve immediately while it’s warm and ooey-gooey. Trust me, it disappears fast at our house.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions — it adds a little brightness to contrast the rich cheese. Sometimes, I’ll even do a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes if we’re feeling a bit adventurous. It’s amazing how those small garnishes bring the whole dish to life.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is a full meal on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread is a classic companion too — because more carbs are always a good idea, right?

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or when guests come over, I’ve served this in individual ramekins for a pretty personal touch. It feels fancy but takes almost no extra effort. You can also layer it with extra cheese on top for a double-decker cheesy surprise that gets everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I like to let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, this bake keeps well for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before eating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta bake successfully a couple of times. The trick is to freeze it BEFORE baking in an oven-safe dish covered tightly with foil. When you’re ready, bake it covered for about 35-40 minutes at 375°F, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and browned. It tastes almost as fresh as the first time!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the pasta moist and the cheese melty without drying out. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel—just stir halfway through to maintain even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake Recipe quickly became one of my absolute go-to meals when I want something comforting but fuss-free. I love how approachable it is and how everyone, from picky kids to hungry adults, digs right in. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and maybe add your own twist along the way—I guarantee it’ll bring a smile around your table like it does at mine!

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