🧀 Cheesy Hamburger Cesserole 🍝🔥
This cheesy hamburger casserole is the homemade answer to your favorite boxed dinner, featuring a rich, savory beef sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly baked pasta. A one-pan wonder that’s hearty, comforting, and ready in no time!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1½ lbs lean ground beef 🍖
1 large onion, diced 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 🍅
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 🥫
1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 🍶
1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
½ tsp onion powder 🌰
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1 tbsp olive oil 🌿
For the Casserole:
12 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta 🍝
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni (or other pasta) according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Be generous with the cheese for that delicious, melty topping!
4. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Serve:
Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy!
✨ Tips for Perfection:
Beef Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version, or even try ground sausage for a little extra flavor.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, stir in some chopped jalapeños or a bit of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Perfect Pairing: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh, crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy again!
🍴 Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: Approx. 450-500 kcal (depending on portion size)
Carbs: Approx. 40-45g
Protein: Approx. 30-35g
Fat: Approx. 20-25g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty goodness of beef with the deliciously cheesy, creamy pasta that everyone loves. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for feeding the whole family on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste—add extra veggies, swap out the cheeses, or add more seasoning to make it your own!
Enjoy this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole—it’s sure to become a weeknight staple that everyone will ask for again and again! 🧀🍝