Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: A Family Favorite (Print Version)
Make a comforting Cheesy Hamburger Casserole that’s easy, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if you can find them!)
05 -
1 cup (170g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
06 -
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
→ Creamy Goodness
07 -
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
08 -
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
09 -
2 cups (220g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
→ Flavor Boosters
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First up, get that ground beef sizzling in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you want it nicely browned. Once it's mostly cooked, drain any excess grease—I usually leave a little for flavor, but too much is... too much. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Oh, the smell at this stage is just incredible, honestly, it always gets my stomach rumbling!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Stir in those diced tomatoes, the beef broth, and that magical Worcestershire sauce. Don't forget the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper here. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting all those flavors get to know each other for about 10 minutes. This is where the sauce starts to thicken up and become something truly special. I once added too much broth and had to simmer it forever; learn from my oops, stick to the measurements!
03 -
While your sauce is simmering, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions, but aim for al dente—a little bite is key for casseroles. Drain it well. Once the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. Then, fold in the sour cream. This step makes the sauce so incredibly rich and velvety, it's a game-changer for this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole.
04 -
Add the cooked macaroni directly into your skillet with the beef and creamy sauce. Stir it all together until every piece of pasta is coated in that deliciousness. Now, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the macaroni mixture evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle about a third of your shredded cheddar cheese over that layer. Then, add the remaining macaroni mixture and top it with the rest of the cheddar. This layering ensures gooey cheese in every bite!
05 -
Pop that glorious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for the cheese to be all melty and bubbly, with those beautiful golden-brown edges. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is just pure happiness, I swear. I once got distracted and almost over-browned the top, so keep an eye on it!
06 -
Once it's out of the oven, let your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce set a little and makes it easier to serve. Sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The final result should be a bubbly, cheesy, incredibly satisfying dish that smells absolutely divine. It’s warm, it’s comforting, it’s everything you want in a weeknight meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Always soften cream cheese completely before adding to prevent lumps.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; it often tastes better the next day!
03 -
No elbow macaroni? Penne, rotini, or small shells work great as substitutes.
04 -
Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g