This 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole Recipe Is ‘Unbelievably Easy and So Good’

As a parent of three daughters who were, let’s say, “delightfully opinionated,” my mom had a trusted line-up of about 10 weeknight dinner recipes that she knew would keep the peace. One of the collective favorites in the regular rotation: Hamburger Helper Lasagna. Mom loved that it got some protein and iron in us, that it came together on the stovetop in a single skillet, and that the instructions only asked for what’s inside the box, a pound of ground beef, milk, and water. Her kids adored the curvy-edged noodles and the cozy flavors of the cheesy tomato-basil pasta.

But the semi-homemade meal contains more sodium and preservatives—and fewer veggies—than Mom (and now, I) would prefer. I wish I could rewind the clock and introduce her to this extremely riffable 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole. Although I can’t do that, I can make her proud by whipping it up in her honor. The best part, besides the fact that it’s a stellar foundation for customization? It requires a mere four ingredients (just one more than that box of Helper).

What Is Hamburger Casserole?

If you like Baked Ziti or Johnny Marzetti Casserole, you’ll likely swoon over this easy dinner idea. Dreamed up by Allrecipes user LaDonna L., a self-described “empty-nester with a passion for all things food—especially Italian cuisine,” 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole is oven-ready after just 10 minutes of hands-on time.

Featuring noodles, ground beef, shredded mozzarella, and the not-so-secret ingredient (psst…it’s tomato soup!) this baked pasta is “so comforting and easy to make, and leaves plenty of room for you to doctor it up as you see fit,” according to LaDonna.

Get the recipe: 4-Ingredient Hamburger Casserole