Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! Hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a luscious layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella come together in one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

This dish is all about simplicity and flavor—a rich tomato-based sauce, savory beef, and gooey cheese make every bite a delight. Serve it straight out of the oven with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both versatile and kid-friendly. It’s easy to customize based on your family’s preferences, and it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a dish that warms the heart, this cheesy hamburger casserole is the answer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting classic:

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • One 28-ounce can pureed tomatoes (or your favorite tomato sauce)
  • 16 ounces macaroni noodles
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt, and cook until the onions are translucent. This step ensures a flavorful foundation for your casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the pureed tomatoes (or your favorite tomato sauce) into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni noodles in a large pot of boiling water until they’re half done—this ensures they won’t overcook in the oven. Drain the noodles and stir them into the tomato and beef sauce, combining everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture to a large baking dish. At this point, you can cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for several weeks if you’re prepping ahead.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes if starting at room temperature, or slightly longer if refrigerated.

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Switch the oven to broil and cook for a few minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for an hour deepens the flavor and makes all the difference.
  • Par-Cook the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni halfway ensures it stays perfectly tender after baking.
  • Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for an easy dinner later.
  • Cheese Variation: Feel free to swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for other favorites like Monterey Jack or Parmesan.

Flavor Variations

This casserole is super versatile, so feel free to make it your own:

  • Add Veggies: Mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
  • Meat Swap: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten things up.
  • Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Freezing:

Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or shells work just as well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.

3. How do I avoid dry casserole?
Make sure the sauce is well combined with the pasta and don’t overcook the noodles before baking.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Simply puree fresh tomatoes in a blender or food processor and use them in place of the canned variety.

A Family Favorite Dinner

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or prepping it ahead for a busy week, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

So grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and let the oven work its magic. With layers of cheesy goodness and a savory beef sauce, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at your table!

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