This cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole combines creamy pasta and seasoned ground beef for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Quick Answer: Make this cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente, browning ground beef with onions, combining with cheese sauce, and baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s perfectly satisfying
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup required
- Kid-friendly and great for family dinners
- Budget-friendly using pantry staples
- Makes excellent leftovers
Quick Benefits
This cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole combines affordable ingredients into a hearty meal that feeds the whole family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped ahead for easy reheating.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups macaroni noodles, cooked al dente
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, melted
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 8 slices American cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Boil macaroni noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Stir in melted Velveeta cheese until fully combined.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is cooked through and onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and milk into the beef mixture until well blended. Add the macaroni and mix thoroughly.
- Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top the casserole with American cheese slices, then sprinkle crushed Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown. Allow to rest a few minutes before serving.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven
- Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to set up
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
- Use a heavy-bottom pan for the cheese sauce to prevent burning
- Drain excess fat from beef before combining with other ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Additional shredded cheese for topping
Creative Variations
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor
- Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms to the meat mixture
- Mix in different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Gruyere
- Top with crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs
Cultural Notes
Casseroles became popular in American cuisine during the 1950s as convenient, one-dish meals perfect for family dinners. The combination of pasta, ground beef, and cheese sauce represents classic American comfort food at its finest.
Pro Tips
- Warm the milk before adding to the roux for smoother sauce
- Season each component separately for best flavor
- Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for depth of flavor
- Spray the baking dish with cooking spray for easier cleanup
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but any melting cheese works well.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Use freshly grated cheese and add it to the sauce off heat.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well.
Health Benefits
This casserole provides protein from ground beef and calcium from cheese and milk. Using lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while the pasta offers energy-sustaining carbohydrates. Add vegetables to increase nutritional value.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 750 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 42g • Fat: 35g • Sodium: 890mg
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole
This cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole combines creamy pasta and seasoned ground beef for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.