What ingredients do I need to make a cheesy hamburger casserole?

To make a cheesy hamburger casserole, you'll typically need ground beef, pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini), shredded cheese (cheddar works well), diced onions, garlic, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. These ingredients combine to create a hearty, flavorful dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.

How do I make cheesy hamburger casserole step-by-step?

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess fat, and stir in canned tomatoes or tomato sauce along with seasonings. Combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture in a baking dish, then top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Can I make cheesy hamburger casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, cheesy hamburger casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed to ensure it's heated through. Freezing is a convenient way to prepare meals in advance for busy days.

What are good side dishes to serve with cheesy hamburger casserole?

Cheesy hamburger casserole pairs well with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Consider serving a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a simple coleslaw. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also popular choices. These sides provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the casserole and create a well-rounded meal.

How can I make cheesy hamburger casserole healthier?

To make a healthier version, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey. Choose whole grain pasta to increase fiber content and add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to boost nutrition. Use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall, and opt for low-sodium tomato sauce to reduce added salt. These adjustments keep the casserole flavorful while supporting a more balanced diet.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe With Savory Beef and Cheese

Name: Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound fusilli pasta; – 1.5 pounds ground beef; – 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; – 5 cups beef broth (low-sodium optional); – 1/2 cup milk; – 1/4 cup ketchup; – 3 tablespoons garlic; – 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss); – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – 1 tablespoon pepper

Description

🧀 Cheesy Hamburger Casserole combines savory beef with rich, melted cheese for a comforting, hearty meal.
🍝 This easy recipe blends pasta and beef in a creamy sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

– 1 pound fusilli pasta

– 1.5 pounds ground beef

– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

– 5 cups beef broth (low-sodium optional)

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1/4 cup ketchup

– 3 tablespoons garlic

– 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss)

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon pepper

Instructions

1-Getting started: with this cheesy hamburger casserole is straightforward and fun. Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir and break apart the meat until it’s fully browned, which takes just a few minutes.

2-Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep things light. Next, pour in the beef broth and let it come to a gentle simmer, adding depth to the flavors. Stir in the fusilli pasta and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are al dente, stirring now and then to prevent sticking.

3-After that, mix in the milk and shredded cheese gradually, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. You can serve it right away or transfer it to a greased 9×12 inch casserole dish. If baking, add extra cheese on top along with toppings like dried parsley or green onions, then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

🍝 Substitute pasta with elbow macaroni, penne, egg noodles, instant rice, or bite-sized pasta.
🥩 Replace ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken for variety.
🧄 Enhance flavor with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, chili powder, red pepper flakes, onion powder, or fresh onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop cooking, baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 361 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1093 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, beef pasta bake, melted cheese casserole, savory beef dish