Hearty Family-Pleasing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy hamburger casserole that blends hearty flavors and creamy textures.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic seasonings, creating a mouthwatering base for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Layers of melted cheese cascade over tender pasta, promising a delectable meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and rich, gooey cheese.

Pasta catches every delicious morsel, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This casserole stands ready to become your next family favorite, guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.

What to Serve with This Hamburger Bake

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole. The wine's tannins will cut through the cheesy richness and enhance the beef's robust taste.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sharp vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes will balance the heavy, comforting casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with garlic and herbs. These vegetables will add nutritional variety and a caramelized texture that echoes the casserole's savory profile.
• Choose Craft Beer Companion: Opt for an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the dish's intense flavors. The beer's carbonation will cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.

Tasty Takes on the Classic Hamburger Casserole

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Skillet: Replace macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same hearty flavor while accommodating dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates, perfect for ketogenic and low-carb diet followers who want a satisfying meal.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bake: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the rich texture and adding extra protein for vegetarian households seeking a familiar comfort dish.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitutes like cashew or almond-based cheese to create a creamy topping for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and basic cheese, making it an economical meal that feeds a whole family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you maintain the same cooking technique and seasoning.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Choose lean ground beef, use whole wheat macaroni, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to boost nutritional value.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem! Simply transfer your beef and pasta mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and placing it in the oven. The end result will be just as delicious.

Why This Hamburger Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

• Dive into a hearty, cheesy casserole that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction with every single bite.
• Prepare a delicious meal using just one skillet, minimal ingredients, and simple steps that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly.
• Packed with kid-friendly flavors like pasta, beef, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Swap ingredients, add extra spices, or throw in different cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.

What You’ll Need for Hamburger Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the meat mixture.

• Macaroni: The classic pasta that creates a comforting base for the casserole.
• Onion: Brings a sweet and savory foundation to the dish's overall flavor profile.

• Whole Blended Tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a creamy, melty topping that gives the dish its signature golden and bubbly crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick to the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté the onions and prevent sticking during cooking.

Simple Instructions for Cheesy Hamburger Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Sizzle The Onions

• Oil
• Onions

Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they become soft and golden, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Crumble The Beef

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic

Drop the ground beef into the skillet with the onions.

Break it into tiny crumbles while seasoning with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown with zero pink remaining.

Step 4: Create The Sauce

• Whole tomatoes

Pour in blended tomatoes and stir.

Let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to mingle and develop.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you’re craving a spicy kick.

Step 5: Boil The Pasta

Cook macaroni until just before fully tender.

Drain and set aside, keeping that perfect al dente texture.

Step 6: Merge The Ingredients

Combine the pasta with the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated in the delicious sauce.

Spread evenly in the skillet.

Step 7: Blanket With Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Generously scatter grated cheddar and mozzarella across the top, creating a promising cheesy landscape.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven.

Bake until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece, typically 10-20 minutes.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool briefly, letting flavors settle.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Smart Tips for Hamburger Casserole Success

• Opt for ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Stop cooking macaroni just before it reaches full tenderness to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfect al dente bite in the final dish.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly across the top for maximum melting coverage, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delicious texture and visual appeal.
• Add red pepper flakes or your favorite herbs during simmering to boost flavor complexity without overwhelming the main ingredients.
• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes serving easier while preventing burnt tongues.

Keeping Casserole Leftovers Fresh and Delicious

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Cheesy Hamburger Casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with its hearty layers of ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Home cooks will savor this classic midwestern dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 box macaroni
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) whole tomatoes, blended

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F, preparing a spacious, oven-safe skillet for the culinary adventure ahead.
2. Drizzle oil in skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing onions until they transform into soft, translucent golden morsels, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the caramelized onions, crumbling meat while incorporating salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, roughly 7-10 minutes.
4. Cascade whole tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to create a robust sauce. Allow mixture to simmer, melding flavors and developing depth. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
5. Simultaneously prepare macaroni, cooking until just shy of fully tender – maintaining a slight firmness. Drain pasta, setting aside momentarily.
6. Marry pasta with beef mixture, ensuring every noodle becomes coated in the savory sauce. Distribute evenly across skillet, creating a uniform layer.
7. Lavishly blanket the surface with grated cheddar and mozzarella, promising a luxurious, golden crown.
8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven, baking 10-20 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, slightly bronzed masterpiece.
9. Rest casserole briefly after removing from oven, allowing flavors to harmonize and facilitating easier serving of decadent portions.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding jalapeños for heat seekers who want an extra kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version that’s equally delicious.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, making weeknight dinners super convenient.
• Enhance nutritional value by mixing in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the beef sautéing stage for added vegetables and color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg