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This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. If you love simple dinner recipes that taste like home, this dish will become one of your go-to meals.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason this ground beef casserole recipe is a favorite among home cooks—it’s versatile, budget-friendly, and pure comfort on a plate.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Make-Ahead Option: Great for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spices, or protein variations.
This baked hamburger casserole gives you the cozy flavors of a homemade meal with the ease of a one-dish recipe—perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
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Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s look at what makes this cheesy casserole so delicious:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The base of the dish—use lean beef for a less greasy casserole. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Onion & Garlic: These add depth and flavor to the beef mixture.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The combination creates a rich, slightly tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano for that classic, comforting flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): Perfect pasta shape to hold the sauce and cheese.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses: The cheesy duo that melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy layer that makes the casserole irresistibly smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with a salty, nutty flavor and a crisp top.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni just until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, remove extra grease for a cleaner flavor.
- Mix the Cheeses: Combining different cheeses enhances texture and taste.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can add nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: A dash of red pepper flakes or a spoon of hot sauce gives a nice kick.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this easy hamburger casserole lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Mexican-Style Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, and top with jalapeños and crushed tortilla chips.
- Creamy Alfredo Version: Swap the tomato sauce for Alfredo sauce and add some spinach for a white pasta bake.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
- Extra-Cheesy Upgrade: Add cream cheese or ricotta for a richer, creamier filling.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
This cheesy ground beef pasta bake pairs perfectly with simple sides for a complete meal:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A light fruit salad for dessert
For drinks, try serving with iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for adults.
Storage Instructions
This hamburger pasta casserole is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot.
Pro Tip: If the casserole seems dry after refrigerating, add a splash of milk or tomato sauce before reheating to refresh the texture.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
2. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well in this recipe.
3. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
4. Can I use canned soup instead of sour cream?
Yes. You can replace sour cream with one can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a richer texture.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the pasta, beef sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream until well combined.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- The casserole can be made ahead and baked later—just refrigerate and extend baking time by 10 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.
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