Budget-Friendly Hamburger Casserole Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank, a good casserole can be a lifesaver. The hamburger casserole is a perfect example—it's easy to make, delicious, and won't cost a fortune. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this dish is a go-to for busy nights when time and budget are tight.

This casserole combines the heartiness of ground beef with the comforting taste of pasta and a rich tomato sauce, all topped off with a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy, and it’s versatile enough to allow for little tweaks to suit your family’s taste. Plus, with minimal prep time and easy cleanup, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.

The blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives this dish a gooey, cheesy finish, while the pasta shells hold onto all that flavorful sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, and incredibly comforting. Here’s how you can make this crowd-pleasing casserole:

Budget Meal - Hamburger Casserole (Quick, Affordable & Easy) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (1 lb) box medium pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 (10 oz) cans tomato soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• Garlic, salt, & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook and drain the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper (or any seasoning of your choice).
4. Add the cooked pasta, tomato soup, a half cup of water, and HALF of the cheese to your skillet with the browned beef; stir and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat.
5. Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. (Turn the broiler on for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese).
7. Serve immediately and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This hamburger casserole is a perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and filling meal. The pasta shells soak up the rich tomato sauce, while the ground beef adds a hearty texture that makes this dish feel like a complete dinner. The best part? It’s all done in under an hour, making it ideal for those weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or just looking for a simple yet satisfying recipe, this hamburger casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and create something comforting that everyone will love.

For a budget-friendly and easy-to-make hamburger casserole, several online recipes provide great options with simple ingredients. For example, the version from Spend With Pennies suggests combining ground beef, tomato-based ingredients, and pasta, topped with cheese for a comforting meal​Spend With Pennies. Similarly, Alphafoodie highlights the use of tomato soup and shredded cheese, making it both affordable and ideal for busy weeknights​Alphafoodie.

If you're looking to save even more, Southern Home Express offers variations like using pantry staples or different types of pasta, ensuring you can adapt the recipe based on what you have at home​Southern Home Express. These sources showcase the versatility of the dish, allowing for customizations like adding veggies or changing up the cheese blend. You can explore these recipes and more on Spend With Pennies, Alphafoodie, and Southern Home Express.