Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort food, look no further than CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE. Imagine tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a blanket of bubbling cheddar cheese all melded together with savory tomatoes and just the right touch of herbs. This is the kind of all-in-one bake that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with warmth. It’s ridiculously easy to pull off, even on a busy Tuesday night, and it satisfies appetites of all ages. Trust me—once you’ve tasted this old-school classic, you’ll understand why it earns repeat requests in so many households.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE is how simple the ingredient list is—no fuss, just honest, familiar flavors coming together in total harmony. Every ingredient has its moment to shine, giving the finished dish its cozy, crowd-pleasing character.

• Lean ground beef: The savory base, providing richness and that signature hearty bite.
• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape soaks up flavors and holds all the cheesy goodness in every forkful.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings peak meltiness and a golden, gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, beautifully balancing the savory notes.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic gives the casserole that little kick of aromatic flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Lends juiciness and a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
• Beef broth: Infuses every ingredient with rich, savory flavor and perfectly cooks the pasta right in the pan.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out and enhancing every flavor in the casserole.
• Black pepper: Just enough to add warmth and override any blandness.
• Italian herbs: A blend that brings a fragrant, herby touch to round out the flavors.

How to Make CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) first thing. Starting with a hot oven ensures your CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE will bake evenly and get that glorious golden cheese crust on top. Giving it a few minutes to reach temperature makes all the difference!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your lean ground beef until there’s no pink left, breaking it into crumbles as you go. Once the beef is cooked through, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the kitchen smells amazing—these simple steps lay the flavor foundation for your whole casserole.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice included!), and beef broth. Stir everything well so the pasta has a chance to absorb all those savory juices. The magic here is that the noodles cook right in the beefy, tomatoey mixture, soaking up every drop of flavor.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir again to make sure the seasonings are well distributed. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. This way your pasta cooks gently without becoming mushy, and the savory aromas begin to fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Fold in Cheese

Add half the shredded cheddar cheese and gently fold it in until it starts to melt into the hot casserole base. This creates creamy, cheesy ribbons throughout the casserole and preps it for that luscious cheese layer to come.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the bubbling mixture into an oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top, and slide the dish into your waiting oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and tinged with golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps set everything and brings the flavors together.

How to Serve CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE

Garnishes

This is your chance to add a finishing touch: a sprinkle of fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a dash of crushed red pepper if your crew enjoys a little heat. That bright pop of color and flavor elevates every serving from comforting to downright crave-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve your CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE with something light and fresh on the side to balance the richness. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or simple roasted vegetables are all perfect companions. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread—the cheesy bits left in the dish are too good to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for single-serve portions. Or, turn leftovers into stuffing for bell peppers or use as a hearty filling in baked potatoes. The homey flavors of this dish are versatile and always welcome, no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay tasty for up to three days—perfect for make-ahead lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE freezes beautifully! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. To save time, divide into individual servings before freezing. It’s a lifesaver on days you crave homemade comfort but are short on prep time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. If reheating a large batch in the oven, cover with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning. A splash of beef broth before reheating can help keep things moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some shapes may take a little longer to become tender.

What ground meat alternatives work well?

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives to suit your diet or preferences. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I make the casserole healthier?

For a lighter version, opt for leaner ground meat and reduced-fat cheese. You can also toss in extra veggies—like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach—to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Can I prepare CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a day. When you’re ready to bake, just sprinkle on the cheese topping and pop it in the oven. It’s a real time-saver on hectic days.

What’s the best way to prevent dry casserole?

The secret is not to overbake and to keep a bit of extra liquid (beef broth or even a splash of cream) handy. Covering with foil for the first part of baking helps retain moisture, ensuring every bite is as creamy and satisfying as the last.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to serve up smiles, CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE is a must-try for your table. It’s one of those feel-good, hands-off recipes that delivers maximum flavor for minimum effort—and trust me, that irresistible cheesy top is just the beginning! Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a clever way to use pantry staples, this casserole brings everyone together, bite after hearty bite.

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