Name: Easy Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape); 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz), undrained; 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz); 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour. We all crave those familiar flavors, the kind that transport us back to simpler times, and this casserole delivers in spades. It’s a symphony of perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all blanketed under a glorious, bubbly layer of melted cheese. No wonder it’s a perennial family favorite! What truly elevates this Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole beyond just another weeknight meal is the harmonious blend of textures and tastes – the savory depth of the beef, the satisfying chew of the pasta, and that irresistible, gooey cheese pull that makes every bite a celebration. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for a truly satisfying culinary experience!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne)
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz), undrained
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Phases:

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, let’s get that delicious base flavor going. Grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add your 1 lb of ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it starts to cook. You want to brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, it will release some fat. If there’s a lot of excess grease, you can carefully drain most of it off. This step is crucial for developing that classic hamburger taste that we all love.

Once the beef is nicely browned, it’s time to add the aromatics. Toss in your chopped medium onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, typically another 5-7 minutes. The sweetness of the cooked onion really complements the savory beef. Now, let’s build in some extra flavor. Sprinkle in the 1 tsp of garlic powder and the 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 30 seconds to a minute. This awakens their aromas and infuses them into the beef and onion mixture.

Bringing it All Together: The Casserole Base

Now, we’re going to create the creamy, saucy heart of our Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole. Make sure your oven is preheating to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking and melting all those wonderful ingredients together. Into the skillet with the beef and onion mixture, pour in the entire 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Don’t drain them! The juice from the tomatoes adds moisture and a lovely bit of acidity that balances the richness. Next, open up that 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup and add it to the skillet. This soup is a fantastic shortcut for creating a rich, creamy sauce without a lot of fuss. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away, so start with a good pinch and taste as you go.

Incorporating Pasta and Cheese

It’s time to add the elements that will make this a true casserole. Gently fold in your 2 cups of cooked pasta. Make sure you’re using a short pasta shape as recommended, as these are easier to eat in a casserole and hold onto the sauce beautifully. Stir it into the beef and soup mixture until the pasta is evenly distributed. You want every strand or piece of pasta to be coated in that delicious sauce. Now for the star of the show: the cheese! Reserve about ½ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping later. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt into the warm mixture. This is where that glorious cheesiness starts to develop. You’ll notice the sauce becoming even more luscious and slightly stringy.

Baking to Perfection

Once the pasta and cheese are incorporated, give everything one last good stir to ensure there are no pockets of unmixed ingredients. If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, you can bake it directly in the skillet. Otherwise, transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, take that reserved ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole. This creates that irresistible golden-brown cheesy crust we all crave. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and carefully transfer it to your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.

The Final Bake and Resting Period

Let the Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. You want to see those lovely signs of deliciousness forming. The edges of the casserole should also be hot and slightly bubbling. Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! This is an important step for any casserole. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. The flavors also meld together beautifully during this resting period. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of your homemade Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious and satisfying Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender ground beef, flavorful seasonings, creamy sauce, and a generous blanket of melted cheese is simply irresistible.

When it comes to serving, this versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. For variations, feel free to add in some sautéed onions and bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture. You could also swap out the cheese for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even add a dollop of sour cream on top before baking for an even richer finish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole your own! I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this Cheesy Beef Hamburger Casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: What kind of pasta is best for this casserole?

A: While I used elbow macaroni in the recipe, any small, short pasta shape will work well. Rotini, penne, or even shells are excellent choices as they hold the sauce beautifully and are easy to eat with a fork.