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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family? Look no further than this delightful Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. This recipe has become a staple in my household for its ability to please meat-and-potatoes enthusiasts, cheese lovers, and busy cooks alike.
I stumbled upon this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole during one of those hectic weeks when I needed a meal that was hearty, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and gooey melted cheddar cheese checks off all the boxes for a cozy and delicious dinner option. Whether it’s a potluck gathering, a comforting meal for a friend in need, or just a busy weeknight, this casserole has become my go-to solution for feeding my family with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Quick Benefits
- Family-Friendly: Satisfies both meat-and-potatoes preferences and kids’ love for cheese
- Easy and Convenient: Simple to prepare on busy weeknights without extensive cooking time
- Adaptable: Allows for customization with different vegetables, cheeses, and proteins
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal planning and can be prepared ahead for convenience
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe Recipe
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both meat-and-potatoes lovers and cheese enthusiasts, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.
- Easy and Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole can be put together without much hassle and is ready in no time.
- Comfort Food Perfection: Satisfies comfort food cravings with its hearty meat, pasta, and cheese combo that feels like a warm hug in a dish.
- Adaptable and Forgiving: The recipe allows for customization, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- Secret Ingredient: The cream of mushroom soup adds a rich, creamy texture without the need for a complex cheese sauce, simplifying the cooking process.
- Tips for Success: Helpful tips such as cooking the pasta al dente and allowing the casserole to rest after baking ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for meal planning, you can prep the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and bake it when needed.
- Complete Meal: Enjoy the casserole with simple sides like green beans or a salad, and pair it with dinner rolls or garlic bread for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
- Versatile and Nutritious: Easily add extra vegetables, different cheeses, or even turkey instead of beef for a lighter option, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences.
- Feel-Good Food: This casserole is a comforting, homemade meal that makes everyone feel loved and well-fed, showcasing that simple food can bring immense joy and satisfaction.
Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Sauce Base
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Combine diced tomatoes (with juice), cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Gently mix the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until well coated and combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving to help it set up for easier scooping. Serve hot and enjoy seeing everyone come back for seconds!
Storage Tips
Once your cheesy hamburger casserole is baked to perfection, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. To store the finished dish, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate the casserole within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your cheesy hamburger casserole can last for up to 3-4 days.
If you find yourself with more casserole than you can enjoy within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Simply place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Properly stored, the cheesy hamburger casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven until heated through. Whether storing in the refrigerator or freezer, be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version of this cheesy hamburger casserole, consider substituting ground turkey for the ground beef. Ground turkey is leaner and can offer a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. It can also be a great option for those looking to reduce their red meat intake.
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the casserole, feel free to experiment with different options. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can be great additions to increase the nutritional value of the dish. You can sauté these veggies along with the onions for added flavor and texture. Adding extra vegetables not only enhances the dish but also provides a colorful and nutrient-rich twist to the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative twist on serving this cheesy hamburger casserole, try layering it between slices of toasted garlic bread to create a hearty and indulgent sandwich. The crispy bread adds a nice contrast to the creamy casserole filling, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. You can even top the sandwich with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Another fun way to serve this casserole is by turning it into individual muffin-sized portions. Simply scoop the casserole mixture into greased muffin tins and bake until set. These mini casseroles are perfect for portion control and make great lunchbox or on-the-go meal options. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, turning them into a fun and portable twist on classic comfort food.
FAQs for Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can use any short pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente because it will continue to cook in the casserole while baking.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?
The cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture and flavor to the casserole. While you can experiment with other creamy soups, they may not give the same richness and depth of flavor that the cream of mushroom soup provides.
How long should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the casserole to set up, making it easier to serve neat slices without the dish being too liquidy.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just adjust the baking time slightly if starting with a cold casserole. Additionally, the casserole freezes well either before or after baking, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is truly a versatile and comforting dish that never fails to hit the spot. With its hearty combination of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that brings joy to the table and warms the heart. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to share at gatherings, or a comforting option for someone in need, this casserole has got you covered.
Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole! Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even try different meat options. The forgiving nature of this recipe allows you to make it your own while still delivering that comforting and satisfying experience. So, go ahead, experiment, and make it a staple in your meal rotation. This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is sure to become a beloved classic in your home, bringing smiles and contented bellies with every bite.
Ultimate Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
“Ultimate comfort food with ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, this cheesy hamburger casserole is a simple, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.”
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time30 Minutes
Total Time45 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Sauce Base
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prep Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
-
Build the Sauce: Combine diced tomatoes (with juice), cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
-
Add the Pasta: Gently mix the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until well coated and combined.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
-
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden brown.
-
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving to help it set up for easier scooping. Serve hot and enjoy seeing everyone come back for seconds!
