The Ultimate Comfort Food That Brings Everyone to the Table
Alright, friend, if you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying, this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy seasoned ground beef nestled in a cozy blanket of creamy cheese and tender pasta (or potatoes!), all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food that’s fuss-free.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Quick and Easy: One-pan prep and straightforward steps make it a stress-free dinner.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or pasta shapes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor — loved by kids and adults alike.
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Ingredients in Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Let’s break down the tasty building blocks:
Ground Beef
The savory, juicy star that gives the dish its hearty foundation.
Pasta or Potatoes
Tender pasta shells, elbow macaroni, or diced potatoes add comforting bulk.
Shredded Cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for that perfect melty, gooey layer.
Tomato Sauce or Creamy Sauce
Keeps everything moist and adds a burst of flavor.
Onion and Garlic
Add depth and a little sweetness.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a touch of paprika or chili powder for a subtle kick.
Optional Add-Ins
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas to sneak in some veggies.
Instructions
Ready to whip up this cheesy dream? Let’s go:
Preheat Your Oven
Set to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
Cook the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Prepare Pasta or Potatoes
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente or parboil diced potatoes until just tender.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, pasta or potatoes, tomato or creamy sauce, half the shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Bake Until Bubbling
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve Warm
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—then dig in and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
- With a Side Salad: Brighten things up with a crisp green salad.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up all that cheesy goodness.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and nutrients.
- As a Standalone Meal: Hearty and filling enough on its own.
Additional Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: Pepper jack or smoked gouda add a fun twist.
- Add More Veggies: Mix in chopped zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute potatoes as a gluten-free base.
Q3: How do I reheat leftovers?
A3: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q5: What’s the best cheese for melting?
A5: Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend all melt beautifully.
Q6: Can I add a crunchy topping?
A6: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A7: Definitely! It reheats well and tastes great as leftovers.
Q8: Can I use canned tomato sauce?
A8: Yes, just choose a flavorful sauce or jazz it up with herbs.
Q9: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
A9: Make sure there’s enough sauce to keep it moist, and cover with foil if needed during baking.
Q10: Can I add spices for extra flavor?
A10: Absolutely! Try smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of chili powder.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is the perfect weeknight warrior—easy to make, comforting to eat, and loved by all ages. Whether you’re feeding the family or need a dish to impress at a casual gathering, this recipe has you covered. So grab your skillet and casserole dish, and get ready for a dinner that’s cheesy, meaty, and downright delicious!
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole combining ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese baked to perfection—a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine uncooked macaroni, beef mixture, sour cream, and water or broth. Mix well.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Substitute pasta with gluten-free options if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg