01 -
Grab your biggest skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it beautifully browned, no pink bits left! Drain any excess grease, because honestly, nobody wants a greasy casserole. Now, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the beef for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic smells absolutely heavenly. This is where the foundation of our Hamburger Supreme Casserole flavor truly begins!
02 -
Once the beef is browned and the aromatics are fragrant, it’s time to build our savory sauce. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, the cream of mushroom soup, and the beef broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting all those flavors get to know each other for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that rich, comforting taste that makes this Hamburger Supreme Casserole so special. Don't rush it!
03 -
While your sauce is simmering, get a separate pot of salted water boiling for your egg noodles. Cook them according to package directions, but aim for al dente—just slightly firm. This is where I always forget to salt the water, honestly! Remember, they'll finish cooking in the oven, so you don't want them mushy now. Drain them well; nobody wants watery casserole.
04 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and drained egg noodles with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir it all together until the noodles are fully coated and everything looks wonderfully integrated. Pour half of this glorious mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every nook and cranny is filled. This creates the first delicious layer of our Hamburger Supreme Casserole.
05 -
Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer of the noodle and beef mixture in the baking dish. This cheesy layer is what gives the casserole that irresistible pull and gooey factor. I've definitely been known to 'sample' a little cheese at this point, just for quality control, you know. Then, spoon the remaining noodle and beef mixture over the cheese, spreading it out carefully to form the top layer of the casserole. Don't worry if it's a little messy, that's just part of the homemade charm!
06 -
Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible, a true sign of a delicious Hamburger Supreme Casserole. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this helps the casserole set and makes for easier scooping. Enjoy that warm, comforting goodness!