Description
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and gooey cheddar cheese all baked together for a hearty main course. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until completely cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks to achieve even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue sautéing for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, entire can of diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure the macaroni is submerged in liquid.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well incorporated into the mixture.
- Transfer & Top: Pour the casserole mixture into an oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger casserole warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the cheese.
- You can add extra veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost nutrition.
- Make-ahead: The casserole can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and baked when needed.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
