Hamburger Hotdish

This hamburger hotdish is a straightforward and satisfying casserole, popular in the American Midwest. It brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a simple tomato sauce, all under a generous layer of melted cheese.

Made with common pantry ingredients, this dish is easy to assemble on a busy weeknight. It’s a warm and hearty meal that is ready in about an hour, making it a reliable choice for dinner.

Why will you love Hamburger Hotdish?

Cooking the pasta al dente is key. It will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce, so starting it this way prevents it from becoming too soft.

Browning the beef and onion together first develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.

Baking the casserole covered allows it to heat through evenly without drying out. Removing the cover for the last few minutes lets the cheese topping melt and turn golden.

Hamburger Hotdish Ingredients

• Ground Beef: An 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef works well. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken.

• Pasta: Rotini’s spiral shape is great for catching the sauce, but any short pasta like penne or elbow macaroni will work.

• Cheese: Colby Jack melts nicely. You can also use medium or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.

• Tomatoes: Using undrained diced tomatoes adds necessary liquid to the sauce. For a smokier flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hamburger Hotdish

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven heats, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water just until it is al dente, then drain it.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks until it is browned all over. Drain off the excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Sauce and Combine

To the skillet with the beef, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Hotdish

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil, top with the rest of the cheese, and bake for 5 to 7 more minutes to melt the cheese.

What to Serve with Hamburger Hotdish

This hotdish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

Helpful Tricks for Hamburger Hotdish

Food Safety: Ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when cooked.

Letting the hotdish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to serve.

You can use other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or elbow macaroni if you do not have rotini.

Feel free to swap the Colby Jack cheese for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

How to Store and Freeze Hamburger Hotdish

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Hamburger Hotdish Recipe FAQs

Can I make hamburger hotdish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the initial covered baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.

What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?

You can add about 1 to 2 cups of other vegetables. Diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms can be cooked with the onion and beef. You can also stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas with the pasta.

Can I freeze hamburger hotdish?

Yes, it freezes well. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole or freeze leftovers. For an unbaked casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. For leftovers, thaw before reheating or reheat from frozen.

Hamburger Hotdish

A comforting casserole with pasta, ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces rotini pasta about 225 g
• 1 pound ground beef 80% lean, 450 g
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce (425 g) 15-ounce
• 1 can diced tomatoes undrained (411 g), 14.5-ounce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided, about 8 ounces / 225 g

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
• Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. The safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the skillet and stir until everything is combined.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Food Safety: Ensure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when cooked.

Letting the hotdish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to serve.

You can use other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or elbow macaroni if you do not have rotini.

Feel free to swap the Colby Jack cheese for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Keyword Casserole, ground beef, hamburger hotdish, Pasta, weeknight dinner