Hamburger Supreme Casserole Recipe
You might think casseroles are outdated, but the Hamburger Supreme Casserole proves classic comfort food never goes out of style. This nostalgic dish combines hearty ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese into a one-pan meal that'll transport you straight to grandma's kitchen. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or craving a taste of mid-century American cooking, this recipe promises a satisfying dinner that's both simple and delicious. Curious how to transform basic ingredients into a memorable meal?
Recipe Highlights
- A classic Hamburger Supreme Casserole combines ground beef, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar cheese in a hearty one-dish meal.
- Brown 2 pounds of ground beef with diced onions, layer with cooked egg noodles, and top with cream of mushroom soup and cheese.
- Bake the casserole at 350°F for approximately 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbly.
- This mid-20th century comfort food serves 6-8 people and offers a quick, nostalgic meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Customize the recipe by adding vegetables, using different cheese varieties, or incorporating seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.
History
Although casseroles had been a staple in American kitchens since the late 19th century, the Hamburger Supreme Casserole emerged as a quintessential mid-20th century comfort food.
You'll find its roots deeply embedded in post-World War II home cooking, where convenience and hearty meals became paramount. Suburban families sought quick, nutritious dishes that could feed multiple people with minimal effort.
The casserole's popularity soared during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting changing domestic dynamics. Cookbook publishers and home economics programs championed these one-dish meals as efficient solutions for busy homemakers.
Cream of mushroom soup, a key ingredient, symbolized the era's fascination with processed foods and innovative culinary shortcuts. Your grandmother might've proudly served this dish at family gatherings, representing a perfect blend of practicality and comfort.
Recipe
Hamburger Supreme Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together the hearty flavors of ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish. This family-friendly recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and rich, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, allowing home cooks to quickly prepare a delicious meal that can feed a hungry family with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish transforms simple components into a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing your ingredients. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions, cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat to ensure the casserole isn't greasy.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they're al dente, being careful not to overcook.
In a 9×13 baking dish, create layers by first spreading the cooked egg noodles as the base, then adding the beef and onion mixture. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the beef, ensuring good coverage.
Top the entire casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a generous layer that will melt and become golden and bubbly during baking.
When preparing this dish, consider a few helpful tips to elevate your casserole. For added flavor, you can mix in some dried herbs like parsley or thyme with the beef, or sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
If you're making the casserole ahead of time, it can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, though you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Always let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
Cooking Steps
Start by browning your ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet, making sure to drain excess fat for a clean, flavorful base.
Next, cook your egg noodles until they're perfectly al dente, then carefully layer them in your baking dish with the beef mixture and cream of mushroom soup.
Top the casserole with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, then bake until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 1. Brown Ground Beef
Fire up your skillet and get ready to transform that ground beef into a flavorful base for your Hamburger Supreme Casserole. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it's evenly warm before adding the meat. Crumble 2 pounds of ground beef directly into the pan, breaking it into small, uniform pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Add diced onions to the beef
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
- Cook until meat is no longer pink
- Watch for a rich, golden-brown color
As the beef browns, use your utensil to break down larger chunks, creating a consistent texture.
Drain excess fat carefully to keep the mixture lean and prevent sogginess. Your goal is perfectly cooked, crumbly ground beef that'll serve as the hearty foundation of your casserole.
Step 2. Cook Egg Noodles
After browning your ground beef to golden perfection, you'll want to prepare the egg noodles that'll form the comforting base of your Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
Fill a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavor and help noodles cook evenly. Bring water to a rolling boil, then carefully add 8 ounces of egg noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 6-8 minutes until they're al dente—tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Test doneness by sampling a noodle or cutting one in half to check the center. Once cooked, drain noodles in a colander, giving them a quick rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
Your noodles are now perfectly prepared for layering in the casserole.
Step 3. Layer Ingredients Carefully
When layering the ingredients for your Hamburger Supreme Casserole, precision is key to creating a harmonious and delicious dish. Start by spreading a thin, even base of cooked egg noodles across the bottom of your 9×13 baking dish, ensuring complete coverage without overlapping or gaps.
Next, carefully distribute the browned beef and onion mixture over the noodles, using a spatula to create a uniform layer. Pour the cream of mushroom soup evenly across the beef, using gentle sweeping motions to prevent disturbing the underlying ingredients.
Top the casserole with a generous, even sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface to guarantee a consistent melt and golden-brown finish. Each layer contributes to the final flavor profile, so take your time and layer with intention.
Step 4. Top With Cheese
One crucial step in perfecting your Hamburger Supreme Casserole is properly topping the dish with cheese, which will create a golden, melty crown that transforms your meal from good to spectacular.
Use 2 full cups of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface to ensure complete coverage. Make sure the cheese layer is uniform, with no significant gaps or thin spots that might burn during baking.
When applying the cheese, follow these key tips:
- Distribute cheese in a smooth, consistent layer
- Cover entire casserole surface completely
- Choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor
- Sprinkle cheese immediately after removing the dish from initial layering
The cheese will melt beautifully, creating an irresistible golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and adds rich, tangy complexity to your comfort food classic.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
The 3 critical minutes of baking can transform your Hamburger Supreme Casserole from ordinary to extraordinary, determining whether you'll achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
When placing your casserole in a preheated 350°F oven, position the dish on the center rack for even heat distribution.
Watch closely during the final 10 minutes of baking, looking for these key visual cues:
- Cheese edges turning slightly crisp and bubbly
- Top developing a light golden-brown color
- Visible slight browning around the casserole's perimeter
You'll want to rotate the dish once midway through baking to ensure uniform coloring.
Avoid opening the oven door too frequently, as this can disrupt cooking temperature.
Your goal is a beautifully melted, slightly crisp top that signals a perfectly executed comfort food classic.
Final Thoughts
Although comfort food often gets a bad rap for being unhealthy, Hamburger Supreme Casserole represents a delightful balance between nostalgia and satisfying nutrition.
You'll find this dish isn't just about flavor, but also about creating memorable family moments. Consider the recipe's versatility: you can easily modify ingredients to suit dietary preferences or pantry availability.
Key takeaways for your culinary adventure include:
- Prep ingredients in advance
- Use high-quality cheese for best results
- Allow proper resting time after baking
- Experiment with subtle seasoning variations
Mastering this casserole means understanding its core principles: layering, balanced moisture, and precise baking temperature.
Your confidence in the kitchen will grow with each preparation, transforming a simple recipe into a cherished family tradition that transcends generations.
