Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is one of those heartwarming dishes that brings nostalgia and comfort to the dinner table. My experience with this recipe often evokes fond memories of family gatherings, where laughter and good food took center stage. This dish combines the unbeatable flavors of cheesy goodness with hearty ground beef and tender macaroni, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Its simplicity allows it to shine as both a quick dinner solution and a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a friendly potluck.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are plenty of reasons to throw this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole into your meal rotation. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but it also caters brilliantly to hungry families, especially those with kids who might be picky. The comforting flavors and ooey-gooey cheese make it a sure hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that saves on cleanup time—who doesn’t appreciate that?

"This casserole is a family favorite! Even my picky eater devoured it. I love how easy it is to throw together on a hectic weeknight." – Sarah J.

Whether you’re craving something heartwarming after a long day or looking to impress guests with little effort, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction all in one pan.

Preparing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Let’s walk through how this delicious dish comes together. The process is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen time, which means less hassle for you. You’ll begin by cooking ground beef until it’s browned and tender. Next, you’ll mix in your main ingredients—pasta, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings—and let it simmer. Finally, it gets topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy classic.

What you’ll need

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

Don’t hesitate to make substitutions for your pantry staples! Ground turkey or even plant-based meat can be a great alternative for a lighter or vegetarian take.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, set over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni along with the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Fold in half of the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Transfer your mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is where you can really get creative! It’s delicious on its own but can be paired with a crispy green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more. Want to spice things up? Consider serving it with a side of jalapeño cornbread for a fun twist!

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which you probably will since it’s so satisfying!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re planning to save some for later, you can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap—remove it when you are ready to bake. Always ensure proper food handling and storage practices to maintain safety and flavor!

Helpful cooking tips

To make the most out of your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, here are a few pro tips:

Use lean ground beef to keep the dish a little lighter, or experiment with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Don’t overcook the macaroni; it will continue to cook as it bakes.
For an extra cheesy flavor, mix in a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.

Creative twists

Want to add a new dimension to this dish? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Spice it up with some chopped jalapeños or diced chili for a kick.
Swap out the elbow macaroni with a different pasta shape, like penne or rotini.
Use different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, for a unique twist on flavor.

Common questions

What is the prep time for this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole?
Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, with an additional 25 minutes for baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative can work beautifully in this recipe.

Incorporating Cheesy Hamburger Casserole into your meal plan is an excellent way to create a comforting, satisfying dinner without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you and your family are bound to love it!

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Description

A heartwarming Cheesy Hamburger Casserole combining ground beef, macaroni, and ooey-gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, set over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni along with the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Fold in half of the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Transfer your mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey. Keep macaroni slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family recipe, cheesy