🧀 Cheesy Hamburger Casserole 🍝🔥
Your homemade answer to boxed dinners—rich beefy sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta baked to golden perfection.
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that feeds a crowd and satisfies every cheesy, meaty craving? Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Inspired by the flavors of classic boxed meals like Hamburger Helper—but upgraded with fresh ingredients and baked-in love—this casserole brings together seasoned beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and loads of melty cheese into a one-pan wonder.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, planning a freezer meal, or just craving nostalgic comfort food, this casserole delivers big flavor with simple steps.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
👉 For the Meat Sauce:
1½ lbs lean ground beef
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
ÂĽ cup beef broth or water (optional, for thinner sauce)
👉 For the Pasta:
12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
Salted water, for boiling
👉 For the Cheese Layers:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
đź’ˇ Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from becoming mushy after baking.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat:
Add ground beef and diced onion.
Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Mix in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and broth or water if needed.
Let the sauce simmer on low for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl (or in the pot you used for pasta), combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Layer into the baking dish as follows:
Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into the dish.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses (plus Parmesan, if using).
4. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes slicing easier.
🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat sauce for a kick.
Veggie boost: Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, or bake straight from frozen (add about 20–30 minutes extra).
🍽️ What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with:
🥗 Green salad with vinaigrette
🥖 Garlic bread or dinner rolls
🥦 Roasted or steamed veggies (broccoli, green beans, or zucchini)
🍷 A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Budget-conscious: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences or spice levels.
Leftovers = Gold: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
One-pan meal: Less cleanup, more flavor!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the epitome of cozy, feel-good food. It brings back the comforting flavors of childhood dinners but with a delicious homemade twist. The perfect mix of seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta makes it a dinner that never goes out of style.
Whether it’s for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just a craving for something cheesy and satisfying—this casserole has your back. 🧀🍝🔥
Make it tonight and bring the joy of comfort food to your table!