ULTIMATE CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE

Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef nestled between tender noodles and smothered in a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to satisfy any craving. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your family begging for seconds – I promise, you’ve got this!

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping

Let’s Talk Hamburger and Cheese: Why This Casserole Works

Okay, friend, let’s get real. We all crave that classic combination of hamburger and cheese, right? It’s pure comfort. But sometimes, you want something a little more exciting than just a plain burger. That’s where this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole shines! It takes those familiar, comforting flavors and elevates them into a complete, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up ground beef, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. There are so many great Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup variations, but nothing beats a baked casserole in my book!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial – no one wants a stuck-on casserole!
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.

Make the Hearty Hamburger Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is a key step for preventing a greasy casserole.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The veggies add so much flavor and texture!
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch the garlic carefully so it doesn’t burn.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is where the magic happens!

Assemble the Cheesy Goodness

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, hamburger mixture, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix well. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a little extra crunch.

Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit.

Pro Tips for the BEST Hamburger Casserole Ever

Listen, I’ve made this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole more times than I can count, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. These will help you take your casserole from good to absolutely amazing:

• Don’t Skip the Veggies: The onion and green bell pepper are essential for adding flavor and texture. Feel free to add other veggies too, like mushrooms or carrots.
• Cheese, Please!: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
• Customize Your Sauce: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Or, for a richer flavor, try using a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hamburger mixture for a little heat.
• Breadcrumb Boost: For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is that it’s so versatile. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Mac and Hamburger Casserole: For a classic twist, use a can of prepared mac and cheese instead of the cooked macaroni and milk.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies to the hamburger mixture, and use Mexican blend cheese for the topping.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of macaroni for a healthier, low-carb version.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale to the hamburger mixture for a nutritional boost.

Recipes Made With Hamburger Meat: Beyond the Casserole

Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient, and there are endless possibilities beyond this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider trying Crack Burgers for a delicious twist on the classic burger, or perhaps Cheeseburger Soup for a cozy, comforting meal. And don’t forget the Cheeseburger Soup – one pot heaven! Another great option is Slow Cooker Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole if you’re looking for something with a different flavor profile. You can see there is a lot you can do!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time or for enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Hamburger Casserole:

• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can! Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even shells would work well in this casserole.
• Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• What can I serve with this casserole? A simple side salad or steamed vegetables would be a great complement to this hearty casserole.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

There you have it – a Cheesy Hamburger Casserole recipe that’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of my absolute favorite recipes made with hamburger meat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort food bliss! You got this!

Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a blanket of melted cheese. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to satisfy any craving, making it a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large bowl
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup milk
• Optional: Breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
• 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 minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and cream of mushroom soup. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, hamburger mixture, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix well.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a little extra crunch.
• 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 a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the veggies for added flavor and texture. Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Customize your sauce with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking. To store, let cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions. Casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.