The Tastiest Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whip up a hearty cheesy hamburger casserole that brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and savory seasonings create a mouthwatering experience.

Families adore this classic dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this crowd-pleasing recipe that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Weekends or busy evenings call for something delicious and quick to prepare.

Creamy, cheesy goodness combines with robust meat to deliver a truly irresistible meal.

Let’s dive into this delectable casserole that promises to become your new favorite go-to dinner solution.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Is So Filling

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty casserole that satisfies hunger with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, cheesy main dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a filling meal that won't break the bank, making it ideal for budget-conscious home cooks.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing and baking the entire dish in a single oven-safe skillet, reducing washing up and saving precious time after meal preparation.

What You Need for Hamburger Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef: A protein-packed meat that creates a hearty base for the casserole.
• Macaroni: A classic pasta that adds comforting texture to the dish.
• Whole Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that provide a rich, tangy flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A smooth cheese that creates a stretchy, gooey topping.

• Onion: A sweet and savory vegetable that enhances the meat's flavor.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds robust taste to the casserole.
• Salt: A basic seasoning that brings out the dish's natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: A classic spice that adds a mild heat.
• Cooking Oil: A neutral oil used for sautéing the ingredients.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and drizzle in some oil.

Toss in finely chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and see-through, releasing their sweet, irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop in the ground beef and break it into tiny pieces as it sizzles.

Cook until it’s perfectly browned and no longer pink, filling the kitchen with an incredible meaty scent.

Step 4: Season and Spice

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Stir everything to create a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Add Tomato Magic

Pour in the blended whole tomatoes and let the mixture simmer, creating a rich, robust sauce that’ll coat every bite with deliciousness.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce bubbles, cook the macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente.

Drain and get ready to bring everything together.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Mix the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a delicious coating of flavor.

Step 8: Cheese Topping Extravaganza

• Grated cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Creating a blanket of melty, gooey goodness that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-20 minutes.

Watch as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly masterpiece that screams comfort food.

Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal that combines hearty beef, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy goodness in every single bite!

Handy Tips for Hamburger Casserole

• Replace lean ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Select high-quality, freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
• Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy casserole and maintain a perfect pasta consistency.
• Mix half the cheese into the beef mixture and sprinkle remaining cheese on top for deeper, more distributed cheesy goodness.
• Experiment with additional herbs like dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to personalize the dish's flavor profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat the Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
• Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using oven method.

Side Ideas for Hamburger Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Garden Salad: Toss together fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole with refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to match the hearty beef and cut through the creamy cheese flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Soldiers: Slice a French baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown to provide a perfect dipping companion for the casserole's saucy texture.
• Enhance with Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing to add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.

Tasty Hamburger Casserole Swaps

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or replace with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and cheese profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium tomatoes, reduce salt content, and select reduced-sodium cheese varieties to create a heart-healthier version.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who enjoy a zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love this cheesy, meaty casserole. The combination of pasta, beef, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the cheese and bake until heated through and bubbly.

• What can I serve as a side dish with this casserole?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables work great to balance the richness of the cheesy hamburger casserole.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy hamburger casserole brings comfort food magic to weeknight dinners with ground beef and pasta perfection. Hearty layers of melted cheese and savory meat promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

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

Pasta and Tomatoes:

• 1 box of macaroni
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) of whole tomatoes, blended

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Instructions

1. Warm your oven to 400°F, preparing for a hearty comfort meal.
2. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high temperature, then gently sauté onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically breaking it into small crumbles while browning thoroughly.
4. Enhance the meat with garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the beef.
5. Pour whole tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich, deep flavors.
6. Simultaneously, prepare macaroni in a separate pot, cooking until perfectly al dente, then drain completely.
7. Integrate the cooked macaroni into the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is well-coated with the savory sauce.
8. Generously distribute cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the top of the casserole, creating a tempting golden blanket.
9. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, baking for 10-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
10. Remove from oven, allow a brief cooling period, then serve this comforting, cheesy hamburger casserole to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap lean ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Boost vegetable content by mixing in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and color.
• Choose whole wheat macaroni to increase fiber and create a more nutrient-dense meal that supports better digestion and sustained energy.
• Use low-fat cheese varieties or reduce cheese quantity if watching calorie intake, maintaining the delicious flavor while creating a lighter version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg