Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Casserole?

Absolutely. Let the baked casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container or wrap well with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best cheese to use for maximum melt?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both sharp flavor and gooey texture. Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a pre-shredded pizza blend.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, and it’s a great way to boost nutrition. Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or frozen peas when you add the pasta.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Name: Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 box (16 ounces) macaroni pasta; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, blended; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that brings together ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melty cheese in one hearty, oven-baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a quick and comforting crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 box (16 ounces) macaroni pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, blended
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready once your casserole is assembled.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until fully browned and no pink remains.
Add seasoning and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to infuse the beef with garlicky flavor.
Create the sauce: Pour in the blended tomatoes and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Boil the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Combine beef and pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top of the skillet mixture.
Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to dish out.

Notes

Use a baking dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet. Want extra flavor? Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes with the garlic. To reduce fat, use leaner ground meat or cut the cheese portion slightly. Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg