Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Ah, the Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! If there ever was a dish that embodies comfort food, this is it. I remember the first time I pulled a bubbling, cheesy casserole out of the oven—it was like the kitchen was filled with a warm, welcoming hug. Perfectly browned beef, tender pasta, and oodles of melted cheese come together in a symphony of flavors that can brighten even the dreariest of days. Let’s dive into this, and I’ll share every little secret that makes this dish a family favorite!

Why you’ll love this recipe

So why should you make this cheesy masterpiece tonight? Imagine a weeknight meal that’s not only simple to prepare but also brings everyone together around the table with happy, smiling faces. It’s like a delicious high-five in a baking dish!

The beauty of this casserole lies in its layers of flavors and textures. Each bite bursts with savory ground beef and creamy cheese, counterbalanced by the subtle tang of tomatoes. Plus, using elbow macaroni means it’s ridiculously comforting—who doesn’t love that perfect pasta shape that just hugs the cheese? It’s downright nostalgic, taking many of us back to our childhood kitchen days.

And you know what? This dish is adaptable! You can easily toss in some veggies or swap in different kinds of cheese, making it not just versatile but a real canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is the star that never disappoints. Let’s whip it up!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get our hands on the essentials that make this cheesy dream a reality. Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef: The heart of our dish! Opting for lean beef helps keep the dish hearty without feeling heavy or greasy. If you want to swap it out, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too!

• 2 cups elbow macaroni: Those delightful, curved pasta bits are perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as an alternative.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This is where the magic happens. Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy note that’s utterly irresistible. You can mix it up with Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different vibe.

• 1 cup diced onion: For flavor and a bit of crunch, you’ll want that onion! It adds depth and sweetness as it cooks. Don’t have any onions? Feel free to use shallots or even green onions for a fresh twist.

• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the secret weapon in any savory dish. It amplifies the flavors; don’t skip it! If you prefer garlic powder for convenience, 1 teaspoon will do.

• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice): Tomatoes add moisture and a slight tang. You can choose seasoned tomatoes for an extra kick or even roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor!

• 1 cup beef broth: This enriches the dish beautifully. If you need a healthier option, low-sodium broth works great, and for vegetarians, veggie broth is a fantastic substitute.

• 1 tsp salt: Just enough to round out the flavors.

• ½ tsp black pepper: A pinch of spice brings it all together!

• 1 tsp Italian herbs: Think oregano, basil, and thyme—they weave a tapestry of warm, aromatic flavors through the casserole. You can even use fresh herbs if you’ve got them on hand!

Preparing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Let’s jump into the cooking part; trust me, it’s as easy as pie!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s game time, so let’s get that oven ready to create magic!

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef. Brown it until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it’s well-cooked for the best flavor. You want that golden-brown goodness!

3. Once the beef is browned, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re just soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step? It’s pure magic.

4. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (juice included!), and beef broth. Mix it all up nicely. It’s a beautiful mess!

5. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Bring everything to a gentle boil for a minute, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer, allowing those flavors to mingle.

6. Now, fold in half of the shredded cheese until it’s melted and gooey. That’s what I call the love layer!

7. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and top it with the remaining cheese. Go ahead, be generous; you want that cheesy crust!

8. Finally, bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell out of this world!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is out of the oven and looking delectable, how do you serve it?

One of my favorite ways is to ladle generous portions into bowls and top them with fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or basil, for a pop of color and freshness. You could even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous and want a bit of heat!

Pair it up with a crisp side salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for a lovely balance. A little greens action goes a long way! For some extra coziness, garlic bread or toasted baguette slices on the side never hurt anyone. You can even make it a full-on picnic vibe with fresh fruit on the side.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! The Cheesy Hamburger Casserole stores beautifully. Just ensure you let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When it’s time to dig in again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed throughout—around 15-20 minutes should do it. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, the microwave works, too; just pop it in for a minute or two, but be careful not to dry it out!

Thinking of preparing a big batch? This casserole freezes beautifully! Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• Brown the beef well: Take your time with this! A good browning adds depth to the flavor.

• Experiment with cheese: Don’t be shy about playing with different cheeses. A blend can add complexity!

• Mix in veggies: If you’ve got spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini lying around, chop them up and throw them in. They’ll add flavor and nutrition.

• Taste as you go: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings. Cooking is all about personal preference!

Creative Twists

Now that you’ve mastered the classic, why not shake things up a bit?

• Tex-Mex Style: Add a can of black beans and some corn, and top with jalapeños and queso fresco before baking. You’ll have a southwest delight.

• Italian Spin: Mix in marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes and top with fresh mozzarella for a pizza-flavored twist.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for a mix of lentils or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option. You won’t miss the meat!

• Spicy Kick: Try mixing in a jar of salsa for some heat and vibrant flavor!

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian herbs

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (juice included), and beef broth.
5. Mix thoroughly and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
6. Bring to a gentle boil; then reduce heat to low.
7. Fold in half of the shredded cheese until melted.
8. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Your questions answered

• What are the prep and cook times?
  Prep usually takes about 10 minutes, and cooking is around 25-30 minutes.

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare it in the morning and bake it when you’re ready for dinner.

• Are there gluten-free options?
  Yes, just swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!

• What sides work best with this dish?
  A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make for a perfect pairing.

• Can I adjust for dietary restrictions?
  Definitely! You can use leaner meats, different cheese, and even go full vegetarian. Lots of room for creativity here!

This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a chance to gather friends or family, to share love, laughter, and all the good things that come with food. So grab your apron, and let this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole be your canvas. I cannot wait for you to try it—don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! Get in the kitchen and make some magic happen!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy F Family Friendly Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used.)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Other cheese options include Monterey Jack or Gouda.)
• 1 cup diced onion (Shallots or green onions can be used as alternatives.)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) (1 teaspoon of garlic powder may be used instead.)
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice) (Seasoned or roasted tomatoes can add a different flavor.)
• 1 cup beef broth (Vegetable broth is a great substitute for vegetarians.)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (Oregano, basil, and thyme are recommended.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Brown the Beef

   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's no longer pink.
   Ensure beef is well-cooked for the best flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic

   Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
   This step enhances the flavor profile.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Ingredients

   Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Mix well.
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   Mark as complete

5. Season and Simmer

   Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let simmer on low heat.
   Allow flavors to meld.
   Mark as complete

6. Add Cheese

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

7. Transfer and Bake

   Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
   Until bubbly and golden brown.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 25g39%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 28g57%

---

Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 4 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Phosphorus 20 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

This casserole can be customized with various vegetables and cheese.

Keywords: casserole, hamburger, cheese, pasta, comfort food