Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

If you’re looking for comforting, family-friendly fare with major flavor and a cheesy, golden crust, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. This bubbly baked wonder combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and plenty of gooey cheddar in one dish that smells like home and tastes even better. It’s an absolute weeknight hero: quick to assemble, endlessly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—even the picky eaters will dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is how it transforms simple kitchen staples into something delicious and crowd-pleasing. Every ingredient has a job to do—building flavor, adding texture, or bringing that irresistible cheesy finish.

• Lean ground beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and classic hamburger flavor as the casserole’s star.
• Elbow macaroni: These little tubes soak up the sauce and bake up beautifully; feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers big, bold cheesy flavor and creates that golden-bubbly finish everyone loves.
• Diced onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to balance the savory beef.
• Minced garlic: Essential for that savory background flavor; fresh always tastes best here.
• Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Their tangy juiciness helps create a luscious, flavorful sauce right in the pan.
• Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with meaty flavor as it cooks and keeps everything moist.
• Salt: Just the right amount lifts and brightens all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: A little bit of heat ties everything together and enhances the cozy depth.
• Italian herbs: This blend gives a subtle herby background, making the casserole even more aromatic and irresistible.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Sauté it until completely browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This step is where those savory, mouthwatering aromas really begin!

Step 2: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now, grab your uncooked elbow macaroni and stir it straight into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the full can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) and the beef broth. Mixing these together allows the pasta to soak up every ounce of flavor as it cooks—no need for a separate pot!

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Time to add your salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Give everything a good stir, and raise the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. This simmering step melds all the flavors and helps the pasta begin to soften (don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in the oven soon).

Step 4: Fold in the Cheese

With the base nice and hot, fold in half of your shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will quickly melt and start turning everything creamy, ensuring every bite has that melty cheese goodness that makes Cheesy Hamburger Casserole so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the cheesy pasta-beef mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese right on top—it’s going to melt into a beautiful, bubbly golden layer. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole is wonderfully inviting all on its own, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You might also want to offer a dash of extra black pepper or a spoonful of sour cream for anyone who loves a tangy finish.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole plays nicely with nearly any side. Crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli bring brightness and balance to the meal. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are also delicious for soaking up every last bit of cheesy, savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To serve this classic in new ways, try baking it in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—it’s extra fun for kids and dinner guests alike! Or, cut neat squares and serve them stacked for a cozy, casserole-style twist at potlucks. Cheesy Hamburger Casserole even stands up to a “build-your-own” night with bowls of toppings like crispy fried onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with foil or spoon them into airtight containers. Cheesy Hamburger Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors only get cozier after a night’s rest!

Freezing

Want to stock up for busy nights? Simply assemble and bake the casserole as usual, let it cool, then wrap it well in several layers of foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place desired portions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). For a grab-and-go meal, microwaving a single serving works well, just add a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are delicious swaps that work beautifully. Just adjust your seasonings a bit for your chosen protein.

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole gluten-free?

Yes indeed. Swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free, and you’ll have a cozy casserole everyone can enjoy.

How do I make it extra spicy?

If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce when you cook the beef. Pepper jack cheese is also a fun twist for an added kick!

Can I add extra veggies?

Of course! Stir in spinach, bell peppers, peas, or carrots when you add the tomatoes and broth. Small frozen veggies typically cook perfectly during baking, adding color and nutrition.

Is it okay to prep Cheesy Hamburger Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is everything you crave in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and so easy to pull together any night of the week. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

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