LUNCH

Classic Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This recipe combines beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, often with a “cheeseburger” flavor profile.2

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil3
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean is good for flavor)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped4
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano5
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin6
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup tomato puree or tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained7
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, green onions, crispy fried onions, a dash of hot sauce, or a drizzle of ketchup/mustard8

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).9 Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.10 Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add Aromatics & Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and onion. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Create the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato puree/paste and cook for another minute, letting it darken slightly. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Combine & Add Cream: Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or milk), 1 ½ cups of the Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish (no need to grease if your dish is non-stick). Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese and ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top. If you prefer a more browned top, you can briefly broil it for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
  8. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for it to set slightly.11 Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or crispy fried onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Casserole:

  • Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly.12 Shredding block cheese yourself results in a creamier, better-melting cheese.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente or even slightly underdone, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.13 This prevents mushy pasta.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra savory depth, can be great additions.
  • Drain Grease: If your ground beef is particularly fatty, draining the excess grease after browning will prevent your casserole from being too oily.
  • Room Temperature Dairy: If you’re using sour cream or cream cheese in your sauce (as some variations do), ensure they are at room temperature to prevent them from curdling or clumping when added to hot ingredients.

Popular Variations:

  • One-Pot Version: Many recipes skip the baking step and simply stir in all the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop for a true one-pot meal.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup Base: Some classic recipes use a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar) for a quicker, creamier sauce.14
  • Added Vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or even a can of drained mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for different flavor profiles.
  • Tangy Twist: Some recipes suggest adding a teaspoon of yellow mustard or a bit of pickle relish to the sauce to enhance the “cheeseburger” flavor.
  • Potato Base: Instead of pasta, some versions use sliced or diced potatoes layered with the beef and cheese for a different take on the casserole.