Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you craving a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love?

Jump to recipePin it
Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Total
1 hr
Servings
8

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  2. Lightly grease an 11x13-inch baking dish.

  3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

  4. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, for about 8 minutes.

  5. Drain the macaroni and transfer it to a bowl.

  6. Add processed cheese cubes to the bowl and let them stand until the cheese partially melts.

  7. Place ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

  8. Break the meat apart with a spatula and sprinkle it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

  9. Cook and stir the beef until it is browned and crumbly, for about 10 minutes.

  10. Drain excess grease from the skillet.

  11. In a separate bowl, stir together condensed soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and onion.

  12. Gently fold the macaroni and processed cheese mixture into the soup mixture.

  13. Stir in milk until thoroughly combined.

  14. Mix the cooked ground beef into the macaroni mixture.

  15. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  16. Top the casserole with slices of American cheese.

  17. Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top.

  18. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

  19. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole

About this recipe

Are you craving a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole. With its gooey cheese, hearty ground beef, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy any hunger. Plus, it's super easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and tasty dinner option.

Why Choose Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole?

There are plenty of reasons why you should add this casserole to your menu rotation. Firstly, it's a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cheesy goodness and savory beef is a winning combination that will have your family coming back for seconds. Secondly, it's a budget-friendly meal. With simple ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheese, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a satisfying dinner. Lastly, it's a versatile dish. You can easily customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite spices or vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking

Getting started with this casserole is a breeze. Simply gather your ingredients, including ground beef, macaroni, cheese, and any additional toppings or seasonings you desire. Then, follow these easy steps:

  1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to the cooked ground beef for extra flavor.
  4. In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the ground beef mixture.
  5. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the beef layer.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni, ground beef, and cheese.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or shells would work well in this casserole.

. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great option if you're looking for a leaner meat. It will still provide plenty of flavor in the casserole.

. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for later. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.

. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

. What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, but you can experiment with other types of cheese as well. Monterey Jack or mozzarella would also work great.

. How can I make this casserole spicy?

If you like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. It will give the casserole a nice kick.

. What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.

So, the next time you're in need of a comforting and satisfying meal, give this Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole a try. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make and full of flavor. Your taste buds and your family will thank you!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →