Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that brings together the comforting flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this baked casserole is quick to prepare and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
With simple ingredients and a rich, savory taste, it’s a go-to meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole offers a warm, nostalgic bite of home-cooked goodness that’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a classic, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. It layers hearty ground beef with pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, pasta (often elbow macaroni or rotini), tomato or marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese—typically cheddar or mozzarella.
It's comfort food at its best: warm, filling, and easy to prepare ahead of time. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Layers of beefy tomato flavor and gooey cheese make it a hit with both kids and adults.
It’s customizable too—add vegetables or spice for variety. Serve with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or rotini and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside. (Do not overcook — pasta will continue cooking in the oven.)
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In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes over medium-low heat to deepen the flavor. If using sour cream, stir it in now for a creamier texture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir to evenly coat all the pasta.
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Pour half of the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
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Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
1. Choose the Right Ground Beef:
For a juicy and flavorful casserole, use ground beef with a bit of fat—typically 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat helps keep the meat moist and adds richness. If you want a leaner option, consider mixing ground turkey or chicken with beef.
2. Season the Meat Well:
Don’t just rely on salt and pepper. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning to your cooked hamburger for depth of flavor. Sauté the meat with diced onions or shallots for added aroma and texture.
3. Use Quality Cheese:
The cheese is a star in this casserole. Use sharp cheddar for a tangy bite or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey meltiness. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese (which often contains anti-caking agents).
4. Perfect Your Pasta or Base:
Most cheesy hamburger casseroles use cooked pasta, rice, or even hashbrowns as the base. Cook your pasta or starch just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce. This prevents a mushy texture.
5. Create a Creamy Sauce:
A creamy base makes this casserole irresistible. Use a combination of cream soup (like cream of mushroom or cream of celery), sour cream, or even a homemade cheese sauce. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help adjust thickness.
6. Layer Flavors:
Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition and color. Adding sautéed garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat can also deepen the savory notes.
7. Don’t Overbake:
Bake the casserole until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top—usually 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
8. Let It Rest:
After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce thicken and the dish set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Serving Tricks for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
1. Portion Control:
This casserole is hearty and rich, so smaller portions paired with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables balance the meal nicely.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Garnish servings with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
3. Pair with a Crunchy Side:
Serve with crunchy sides like garlic bread, a crisp coleslaw, or roasted veggies to add texture contrast.
4. Customize Toppings:
Offer toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado on the side for guests to personalize their servings.
5. Make It a Meal Prep Hero:
Cheesy hamburger casserole reheats well and freezes nicely. Portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
6. Use It as a Base:
This casserole is versatile — try turning leftovers into stuffed bell peppers, a filling for wraps, or a topping for baked potatoes.
Tips and Variations:
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions for extra veggies.
- For a little spice, stir in ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- To make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
- To freeze: Let the assembled (unbaked) casserole cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this cheesy hamburger casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans for a complete meal. It’s a great choice for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks — and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for a Cheesy Hamburger Casserole?
A typical Cheesy Hamburger Casserole includes ground beef, pasta or hashbrowns, shredded cheese (cheddar is popular), diced onions, canned cream soup (like cream of mushroom or cream of celery), and seasonings. Some recipes add sour cream, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
How long does it take to prepare and cook Cheesy Hamburger Casserole?
Preparation usually takes about 15–20 minutes, which includes browning the ground beef and mixing ingredients. Baking the casserole typically takes 30–40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). So, from start to finish, expect about 45–60 minutes total.
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through. This makes it great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
How can I make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole healthier?
To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Swap out regular cheese for reduced-fat versions, and use low-fat or homemade cream soup alternatives. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor without sacrificing comfort.
