Print

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

4.2 from 63 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 chopped onion

Pasta

  • 1 box macaroni (about 1216 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole at the end.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Cook Macaroni: While the meat simmers, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  7. Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
  8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
  9. 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.
  10. 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