Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. Picture this: if it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something hearty, and the thought of spending hours in the sun is mind blowing. What makes you cry? What is a good hamburger casserole recipe? Is it like a lasagna, but much easier? Is this a family favorite that I’ve been making for years? My kids actually cheer when they see it on the dinner table, and that’s saying something! You’ll be hooked from the first bite.
What is a Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
What is a good weeknight dinner dish? What’s essentially layers of seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and your favorite casserole? Additions, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. What is essentially a deconstructed cheeseburger, baked in casserole dish for ultimate ease and flavor? What is a casserole? What’s the best part about a mobile app? Why don’t you add veggies to your diet? What makes this dish so versatile?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this **cheesy hamburger casserole recipe** has become a staple in my household. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. It’s that perfect combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of tanginess from the tomato sauce. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
But beyond the practicality, this casserole is just plain delicious. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. I especially love making this during the colder months when I’m craving something hearty and satisfying. This really stands out because it’s so adaptable – you can add different veggies, cheeses, or even a layer of tater tots for extra fun! I’ve even tried it with different types of ground meat (turkey and even sausage work well), and it’s always a winner. It’s way easier than making individual cheeseburgers, and the flavor is just as good (if not better!). If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, this casserole is a must-try. It’s similar to a shepherd’s pie in its comforting nature, but with a distinctly cheeseburger-esque twist that makes it unique and totally addictive.
How do I make a Cheesy Hamburger casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a delicious burger casserole? How do you make a creamy cheese sauce? If you want to bake everything in a casserole dish, layer everything and bake it until it’s golden and bubbly. What’s the best part about it? What are some of the best recipes for beginners? What are some things that a cook What is a good meal to impress your family?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Hamburger Mixture:
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20. Is the casserole too greasy?
Onions: Yellow or white, diced. It adds a nice savory base.
Garlic: Minced. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
What is your favorite cheeseburger sauce?
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that you won’t want to skip.
Seasoning: I typically use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to adjust to your liking.
What is Cheesy Sauce?
Butter: Unsalted. This is the base of the sauce.
Flour: All-purpose. It helps to thicken the sauce.
Milk: I usually use 2%, but whole milk will make it even creamier. I’ve tried it with almond milk and it actually made it creamier!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can use any kind of cheese you like.
Cream Cheese: Softened. This makes the sauce extra creamy and decadent.
Other Ingredients:
Elbow Macaroni: Cooked. You can use any kind of pasta you like, but elbow macaroni is classic.
Optional Toppings Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, or even a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
What is the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. I like to use cooking spray for this, but you can also use butter or oil. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish? Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you put the casserole in – this ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. When the beef is browned, break it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. How do I avoid a casserole from getting too greasy? Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the garlic cloves fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do I get the flavors to meld together? Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of tomato sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Set aside. What should I do if I want to melt chocolate If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, browned ground beef mixture, and cheesy sauce. Serve immediately. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
How do you spread the mixture in a casserole dish? If you want, you can top the casserole with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is browned. When cheese melts, it becomes bubbly. The casserole should be golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the casserole warm. Is it good to top it with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard? What is a cheeseburger? What is the best way to add freshness to a dish?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a good hamburger casserole recipe?
What is a classic dinner?A simple green salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of the salad or veggies helps to balance out the richness in the casserole. I love serving it with steamed broccoli or green beans.
What is a hearty meal?What is the best way to eat corn on the cob? What are some of the best side dishes to serve with a casserole? My family loves when I serve it with creamy mashed potatoes.
For a Fun Twist: What is the Tater tots or french fries. This turns the casserole into a cheeseburger and fries experience! It’s a fun and playful way to serve it, especially for kids.
For a Lighter Option: Coleslaw or a fruit salad. These lighter sides help to cut through the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing touch. I often serve it with a homemade coleslaw with a light vinaigrette.
I’ve found that serving this with some sort of fresh element always helps to balance out the richness – whether it’s a simple green salad or some fresh, juicy tomatoes on top. It just makes the whole meal feel more complete. This is a family-friendly dish, so feel free to get creative and serve it with whatever your family loves!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your [Recipe Name]
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Okay, so you’re ready to make this **cheesy hamburger casserole recipe**? Awesome! Here are a few of my top tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. Make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent the casserole from being too greasy. You can also use leaner ground beef, but you may need to add a little bit of oil to the skillet to prevent it from sticking.
Cheese: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. I also recommend using softened cream cheese for the cheesy sauce, as it will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. For the best melting, shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded.
Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but slightly undercook it. The pasta will continue to cook in the casserole, so you don’t want it to be too mushy. You can also use any kind of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or even shell pasta.
Sauce: Make sure to gradually whisk in the milk into the roux (butter and flour mixture) to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce. Also, be sure to cook the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce is too thin, it will be runny in the casserole.
Customization: Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite ingredients. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add different kinds of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
Baking: Bake the casserole until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.
Lessons Learned: One time, I accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk in the cheese sauce! It was…interesting. The casserole was way too sweet, and my kids refused to eat it. So, always double-check your ingredients! I also learned that it’s best to shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded. The pre-shredded cheese often has cellulose added to it, which prevents it from melting as smoothly.
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **cheesy hamburger casserole recipe** is great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure you use an airtight container. I’ve had issues with it drying out if there is air exposure.
Freezer Instructions: Let the casserole cool completely before freezing it. Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil, or transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container. The casserole will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For the best results, I like to wrap individual portions for easy thawing and reheating.
Thawing Methods: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also thaw it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cook it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from overheating. I recommend thawing it overnight to maintain the best texture.
Reheating Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating. I always add a little bit of cheese on top when reheating to give it that extra melty goodness.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts & Conclusion
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to **cheesy hamburger casserole recipe** that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family! This casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings people together. What I love most about it is its simplicity and how easily customizable it is to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a chilly night or need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is always a winner.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my other casserole recipes, such as my tater tot casserole or my chicken and rice casserole. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you loved it! Share your own variations and tips too – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy baking!
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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably 80% lean
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
- 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.1 lb ground beef, 1 medium onion
- Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.2 cloves garlic, 2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.1 can tomato sauce
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture.1 can tomato sauce
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.8 oz elbow macaroni
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
