Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole
Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender macaroni, juicy ground beef, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish is hearty, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that makes use of simple pantry staples while delivering a rich, savory flavor that tastes like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this casserole! It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and can be made ahead for meal prepping. The creamy cheese sauce paired with the beef and pasta makes it irresistible for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or swap in different proteins.
Nutritional Info
A single serving (about 1 ½ cups) of this Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole provides:
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 18% DV
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Grocery List
- Ground beef
- Elbow macaroni
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
How to Make
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Top with mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Ingredient Swaps
- Pasta: Swap elbow macaroni for penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
- Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Chef’s Special Tips
- Cook the pasta slightly underdone so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top for a crispy crust.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How to Serve
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the dinner table. For leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave; still cheesy, still delicious!
Conclusion
Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole is the kind of cozy, family-style recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Try it for your next dinner and watch it disappear from the table in no time! Give this recipe a try tonight and share it with friends or family because comfort food always tastes better when enjoyed together!