Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
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.
Equipment
- 9x13 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 9x13 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.