Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: A Weeknight Favorite (Print Version)
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: Comfort food for busy nights! Easy to make, loaded with savory beef and gooey cheese. Your family will love it!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef
02 -
1 (15 oz) can elbow macaroni
03 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
04 -
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
05 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Flavor Builders
06 -
1 medium onion, chopped
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Goodness
10 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
11 -
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
→ Optional Extras
12 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for extra savory depth)
13 -
1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (for added veggies)
14 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven, and get it hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nice and browned, no pink bits left! Drain off any excess grease – this is where I sometimes forget and end up with a slightly oily casserole, oops. Once the beef is looking good, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them soften up, about 5-7 minutes, until you can smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Oh, the smell of garlic and onion cooking together is just heavenly.
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Pour in your undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir it all together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there, don't leave it behind! Add your dried Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together. This is where the magic starts to happen for your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole!
03 -
While the sauce is simmering, get a pot of salted water boiling for your elbow macaroni. Cook it according to package directions, but remember: al dente! It's going to bake more in the oven, so you don't want it overcooked now. Drain the pasta well, then add it directly to your simmering beef sauce. Stir it all until every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious, savory sauce. This step always makes me feel like a pro, seeing it all come together.
04 -
Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in about half of your shredded cheddar cheese and the milk. Stir, stir, stir until that cheese is all melted and gooey, making the sauce extra luscious. This is the part where I always sneak a little taste – can't help myself! The sauce should be creamy and rich, exactly what you want for a hearty Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed; maybe a little more pepper?
05 -
Pour the entire mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure all that deliciousness is distributed. Now, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Don't be shy here; we're going for cheesy goodness, after all! I always try to get an even layer, so every scoop gets that perfect cheesy crust.
06 -
Pop that dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible and the edges are gently browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – it helps the sauce set a bit and prevents it from being too soupy. This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook your pasta initially; it'll finish cooking in the oven and you want it al dente.
02 -
Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor, honestly, it's a game changer.
03 -
Taste your sauce before baking! Adjust salt and pepper as needed; it's easier to fix now than later.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, it's a perfect balance.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
large pot
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 28 g