Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole on a cozy night, and I can tell you, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a dish that ticks all the right boxes! I stumbled upon this beauty during one of those “what’s for dinner?” pinching-my-pennies evenings. You know the ones where there’s a bit of ground beef sitting in the fridge, some pasta waiting to be used, and suddenly, it all comes together like a symphony of flavor! Each layer of cheesy goodness makes it feel special, even when the ingredients are humble.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me paint a picture for you: imagine creamy cheddar melding beautifully with perfectly cooked pasta and ground beef, all wrapped in a cozy, savory hug of spices and tomato goodness. This dish isn’t just a casserole; it’s a meal that transforms a regular weeknight into something extraordinary. With the soothing aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist sneaking a spoonful before it even hits the table!

Besides its heartwarming flavor, one of the best things about this casserole is its practicality. It’s a one-dish meal that’s utterly satisfying and makes for awesome leftovers. Not to mention, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. Dinner parties, family gatherings, or even just a simple Tuesday night—this dish adapts to the occasion, making it a real culinary chameleon. Who wouldn’t want that kind of versatility in their cooking repertoire?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s round up the stars of the show, shall we?

• Lean ground beef (1 lb): The backbone of our casserole, lean beef gives it a rich flavor without all the grease. You could swap it out for turkey or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous or aim for a veggie alternative like lentils for a meatless twist.

• Elbow macaroni (2 cups): These little pasta shapes soak up all the cheesy goodness and beefy sauce like pros. If you’re in a pinch, try any short pasta you have lying around—penne or rotini would work just fine.

• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): This is the golden crown of your casserole. Cheddar melts beautifully, but you could mix it up with Monterey Jack for a creamier finish or a sharp cheese for a tangy kick.

• Diced onion (1 cup): Aromatic and flavorful, onions add depth. If you’re short on time, minced shallots or even green onions can be a quick substitute.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic is the secret sauce that elevates any dish! You can go for garlic powder if you’re out of fresh—just a spoonful will do.

• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juice): This adds moisture and balances the richness of the cheese and beef. Feel free to use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier vibe.

• Beef broth (1 cup): A lovely broth infuses everything with flavor. Vegetable broth works too if you’d like a lighter touch.

• Salt (1 tsp), black pepper (½ tsp), Italian herbs (1 tsp): These pantry staples are crucial for packing in flavor and tying it all together. Don’t forget to season to taste!

Preparing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves and get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) while you’re prepping. This ensures your casserole will bake to golden perfection.

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Let it sizzle away until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. This step is essential for depth of flavor—don’t rush it!

3. Onions and garlic time: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize. This combination is pure magic!

4. Add the pasta and tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the entire can of diced tomatoes (yes, juice included). This is where the dish gets its comforting vibe.

5. Pour in the broth: Add the beef broth and mix everything together well. Bring this delicious medley to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Simmer it for about 10 minutes—this allows the pasta to cook and soak up all those lovely flavors.

6. Melt in the cheese: Now, fold in half of the shredded cheese until it melts into the sauce—pure joy in a spoon!

7. Transfer to the oven: Pour this goodness into an oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining cheese, and then it’s time for the magic of baking.

8. Bake: Toss it in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden edges that tease with a cheesy crust.

Best way to enjoy it

When you’re ready to serve, let this casserole cool for a few minutes—it’ll be bubbling hot! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread also makes for a delightful companion, because who doesn’t want an extra toast for dipping into that cheesy goodness?

Keeping leftovers fresh

Got some leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It can easily last for about 3-4 days, so you can stretch out that one wonderful dish for multiple meals. Want to save it for later? You can freeze it too! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should hold up well for up to 3 months.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skip browning the meat: It creates a richness that’s just divine!
• Make it a full meal: Toss in some frozen veggies into the mix for added nutrients and colors.

Recipe variations

Feeling adventurous? Spice things up with some diced jalapeños for a kick, or how about adding cooked bacon bits for an extra smoky flavor? You could even throw in some sautéed mushrooms for an umami punch. Have fun experimenting—this recipe is your canvas!

Common questions

• Prep time for this casserole? You’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish—pretty quick for a warm, cozy meal!
• What’s it best paired with? The answer is simple: just about anything! Salads, bread, or even roasted veggies work a treat.
• Can I use ground turkey instead? Absolutely! Just remember to season a bit more because turkey can be a little bland on its own.
• What should I do with leftovers? Reheat them in the microwave or oven, and for the best texture, cover it while reheating!
• Can I make this meatless? Definitely! Substitute lentils, black beans, or even chickpeas for a hearty meat-free version!

The truth is, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s more like a warm embrace on a plate. With its rich, cheesy goodness, it warms the heart and fills the belly just right. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experience—I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures! There’s a vibrant community of cooks out there, and you’re now part of it. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 50 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 500

Best Season: All seasons

Description

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a blend of creamy cheddar, pasta, and flavorful ground beef, all baked together for a hearty one-dish meal that pleases everyone.

Main Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Lean ground beef (Can substitute with turkey or veggie alternatives)
• 2 cups Elbow macaroni (Short pasta like penne or rotini can be used if needed)
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Mix with Monterey Jack or sharp cheese for variety)
• 1 cup Diced onion (Shallots or green onions can be used as substitutes)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Garlic powder can be used as an alternative)
• 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can with juice; fire-roasted adds a smoky flavor)
• 1 cup Beef broth (Vegetable broth can work for a lighter option)
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian herbs

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Brown the Beef

   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic

   Add diced onions and minced garlic until soft.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Pasta and Tomatoes

   Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and canned tomatoes.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Broth and Simmer

   Pour in the beef broth, boil gently, then simmer for 10 minutes.
   Mark as complete

6. Melt Cheese

   Fold in half of the shredded cheese until melted.
   Mark as complete

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

   Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish, top with remaining cheese.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 400 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 30 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Pairs well with a salad or garlic bread.

Keywords: casserole, cheesy, ground beef, pasta, comfort food, family meal