The Star Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing casserole. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodle Layer:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- Water, for boiling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Let’s Talk Ground Beef: A World of Possibilities
When it comes to what to make with ground hamburger, the possibilities are endless! But for a quick easy dinner hamburger meat option, this casserole truly shines. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier twist, or even try ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, too! Pepper jack would add a nice kick, or provolone would create a smoother, milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Casserole Journey
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward, I promise.Getting Started: Beef Time
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, greasing is essential – nobody wants a stuck casserole!
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. They should be nice and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Noodle Prep: Al Dente Perfection
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook them! Slightly undercooked noodles will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain the macaroni well and toss with the olive oil (if using). This prevents them from sticking together.
Assembly Time: Layers of Deliciousness
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly over the bottom.
- Pour the entire beef mixture over the macaroni layer.
- Top with the remaining macaroni.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The cheese should be lightly golden brown.
- Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
Variations and Additions: Make It Your Own!
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat. Or, use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some cooked vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots to the beef mixture.
- Cheesy Goodness Overload: Use a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even some provolone.
- Creamy Dreamy: Mix a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the beef mixture for extra creaminess.
Mac And Hamburger Casserole: A Classic Combo
Let’s be real, Mac And Hamburger Casserole is a dish that brings back childhood memories for many. This recipe is my take on that beloved classic, but with a few extra touches that elevate it to a whole new level. If you’re looking for another great way to combine beef and noodles, give Hamburger Rice Casserole a try!Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. Consider serving it with:- A crisp green salad with your favorite dressing.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Storage and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you find that the casserole is drying out during reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to the dish.Other Comfort Food Classics: Explore the Possibilities
If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, you might also enjoy Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole, another hearty and satisfying meal. For a fun twist on burgers, check out Crack Burgers. And for a cozy soup option, try Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup or Creamy Cheeseburger Soup – perfect for chilly evenings!Why This Recipe Works: The Secret is in the Simplicity
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole recipe is a winner because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and melted cheese is a classic for a reason – it’s pure comfort food! Plus, the recipe is easily customizable, so you can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.Troubleshooting: Common Casserole Conundrums
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when making Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, and how to fix them:- Casserole is too dry: Add a splash of milk or broth to the beef mixture before baking.
- Casserole is too greasy: Be sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it. You can also use a leaner ground beef.
- Noodles are mushy: Don’t overcook the noodles! Cook them until al dente.
- Cheese isn’t melting evenly: Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed over the top of the casserole. You can also broil the casserole for a minute or two at the end of baking to help the cheese melt and brown. But watch it closely to prevent burning!
Final Thoughts: Your New Family Favorite
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is more than just a recipe – it’s an experience. It’s the warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, the satisfying sound of a fork scraping against the bottom of the dish, and the smiles on the faces of your loved ones as they enjoy a delicious meal together. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or try ground turkey or ground chicken. Just adjust the seasoning to your liking.
How do I prevent my casserole from being too greasy?
Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it. You can also use a leaner ground beef.
What are some variations I can make to this recipe?
You can spice it up with red pepper flakes, add cooked vegetables like corn or peas, use a blend of your favorite cheeses, or mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
How long can I store leftovers of the Cheesy Hamburger Casserole?
Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Irresistible Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This cheesy hamburger casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a generous topping of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. A simple, customizable recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- Water, for boiling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni well and toss with the olive oil (if using).
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly over the bottom.
- Pour the entire beef mixture over the macaroni layer.
- Top with the remaining macaroni.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or use diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add cooked vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. If the casserole is too dry when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth.
