Delicious, hearty, and incredibly comforting, the Hamburger Corn Casserole is one of those all-in-one dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to bring to potlucks, this casserole perfectly blends savory ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese for a mouthwatering combination.
It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or complicated steps, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned home cooks.
This recipe captures the essence of classic comfort food, with a rich texture and flavors that deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
So, let’s dive into how to make this simple yet scrumptious Hamburger Corn Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. It combines protein, vegetables, and starch in one dish, making it a complete meal that’s ready in under an hour.
The sweet corn adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory seasoned beef, while the creamy, cheesy topping creates a golden crust that’s irresistible.
It’s also a versatile dish—you can swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prep.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy comfort meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional for a mild kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture: Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Combine the corn and creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, add the whole kernel corn (drained), creamed corn, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add beef and cheese: Fold the cooked beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the corn mixture, stirring gently until evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Prepare the cracker topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of diced green bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef or swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
Vegetarian? Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a meatless version.
Want a cheesier casserole? Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese on top before baking.
For a crunchier topping, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds with the cracker crumbs.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 380 kcal |
Protein | 22 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 550 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger Corn Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or even a simple tomato salsa for some added zest.
For a cozy family dinner, serve it with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness. Leftovers are delicious warmed up the next day and can even be packed for lunch with some crunchy pickles or a crisp coleslaw.
Conclusion
The Hamburger Corn Casserole is a comforting, versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.
The easy preparation and minimal ingredients make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels, while the opportunity for customization means you can tailor it to your family’s tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a new casserole to add to your recipe rotation or need an adaptable dish to feed a crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to check out other comforting and delicious recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Hamburger Corn Casserole
Description: A hearty and comforting casserole combining ground beef, corn, and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until casserole is bubbly and top is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Hamburger Corn Casserole”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting casserole combining ground beef, corn, and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained”, “1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1 cup sour cream”, “1/2 cup chopped onion”, “1/2 cup milk”, “1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers”, “1 tsp salt”, “1/2 tsp black pepper”, “1/2 tsp garlic powder”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until casserole is bubbly and top is golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “20 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}