Name: Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 box of macaroni; 1 cup each of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses; 1 can (28 ounces) of whole tomatoes, blended; 1 chopped onion; 1 tablespoon oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta all in one dish. It’s a family favorite in my house, and I find myself making it more times than I can count. It's simple, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this casserole has me covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this casserole because it’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender ground beef, gooey cheese, and pasta creates the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. This recipe is also highly versatile—you can tweak it with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 box of macaroni
1 cup each of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses
1 can (28 ounces) of whole tomatoes, blended
1 chopped onion
1 tablespoon oil
Salt and pepper to taste

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the blended whole tomatoes and stir the mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain when al dente.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Mix them together evenly.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: I love adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I sometimes add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Cheese Blend: I’ve also experimented with other cheeses, like pepper jack or gouda, to give it a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve tried using penne, rotini, and fusilli in place of macaroni, and they all work great.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! I often assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

I’ve swapped out ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken, and I’ve used whole wheat pasta for added fiber. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! I love adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies. You can even sneak in some broccoli if you're looking for more greens.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the kind of dish that always hits the spot. It’s simple, comforting, and totally customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or play around with different variations, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish made with ground beef, pasta, cheese, and tomatoes. It’s simple, hearty, and a family favorite, perfect for a busy weeknight or relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 box of macaroni
1 cup each of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses
1 can (28 ounces) of whole tomatoes, blended
1 chopped onion
1 tablespoon oil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the blended whole tomatoes and stir the mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain when al dente.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Mix them together evenly.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetable boost, add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
For a spicy kick, try adding a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Try swapping in different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.