This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a warming and filling dish. Made with ground beef, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s a true comfort food!
Who can resist a cheesy masterpiece? I love how it brings everyone together at the dinner table—it’s hard to have just one scoop! 😋
I appreciate how quick this casserole is to whip up on a busy night. Just mix everything and bake! It’s a win-win in my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this dish. If you prefer lighter options, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. Just be sure to drain excess fat if using fattier beef.
Elbow Macaroni: Though elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use any small pasta shape, like penne or shell pasta. Gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative for a different dietary need!
Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder taste. Dairy-free cheese can also be used if you have dietary restrictions.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess, but if you’re avoiding canned soups, homemade cream sauce or a different cream soup can be a great substitute. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold things together.
Diced Tomatoes: I prefer using diced tomatoes for added texture. If you’re not a fan, you can use tomato sauce. It will change the dish slightly, but it still works!
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole is Creamy?
The key to a creamy casserole is a good balance of moisture and cheese. Here’s how to ensure it stays creamy:
- Cook pasta until just al dente since it will absorb some liquid while baking. Overcooked pasta can lead to a dry dish.
- Mix all liquid ingredients thoroughly with the meat and pasta. This helps to create an even sauce that keeps everything moist.
- Covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking can help trap steam and keep your casserole from drying out.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious hamburger casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 45 minutes! It’s quick to put together and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until they are just al dente (usually a minute or two less than the package says). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef.
3. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Make sure to drain any excess fat once it’s cooked to keep your casserole from being greasy.
4. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef mixture, ensuring that all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps with even cooking!
7. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle that on as well for an extra cheesy finish.
8. Bake:
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly casserole with cheese that’s melted and slightly golden on top.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting hamburger casserole!
This casserole is a family favorite and sure to please the crowd. Serve it up with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking, as these meats can be leaner than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’d like to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade white sauce by mixing equal parts flour and butter, adding milk until creamy, and seasoning to taste. You can also use cream of chicken or any cream soup as an alternative!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a preheated oven. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help maintain creaminess!
