Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Hamburger Casserole combining savory ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection for a fulfilling family meal.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chopped onion
Pasta
- 1 box macaroni (about 12–16 ounces)
Cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, blended
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole at the end.
- Sauté Onion: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Season the cooked beef with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. This is the time to add any additional preferred seasonings if desired.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the blended whole tomatoes and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Macaroni: While the meat simmers, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole!
Notes
- You can add extra seasonings like Italian herbs, paprika, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
- Use a large oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the casserole to another dish before baking.
- For a slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal the next day.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Keywords: Cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, baked macaroni, comfort food, family dinner