Description
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s on the table in under an hour. Juicy ground beef, tender macaroni, and melty cheddar cheese come together with tomatoes and savory herbs for a bubbling baked casserole that’s classic comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup beef broth
Cheese & Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and the beef broth. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- Fold in Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and well combined with the beef and pasta mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
- Feel free to mix in extra veggies such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a cheese blend.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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