Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: Easy Family Dinner (Print Version)

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting, easy family dinner. This one-pan dish features seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Foundation

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ The Savory Simmer

05 - 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 1/2 cup tomato paste
07 - 1 cup beef broth
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ The Cheesy Comfort

12 - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
13 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
14 - 1/2 cup whole milk

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This is the first step towards your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: A Family Favorite Main Dish.
02 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb 80/20 ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 - To the skillet, add 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld for your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole.
04 - Add the drained 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni to the beef sauce in the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. This final bake creates the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: A Family Favorite Main Dish.
06 - Remove the Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: A Family Favorite Main Dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for easier scooping. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, ensure your ground beef is well browned and any excess fat is drained before adding other ingredients. This creates a richer base for your casserole.
02 - Leftovers of this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 - Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend for a different flavor profile. You can also swap elbow macaroni for small shells or ditalini.
04 - Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to complete the meal. A side of crusty bread is also excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - 9x13 inch baking dish
03 - Cutting board
04 - Chef's knife
05 - Measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 647 kcal
Total Fat: 31 g
Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
Protein: 36 g

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