Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies The main ingredients create the base of this tasty casserole. Ground beef gives it a hearty feel, while elbow macaroni adds a fun twist. The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick of flavor. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Cheese is the star of this dish. I love using both cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar adds a sharp taste, while mozzarella melts perfectly, making the casserole gooey and delicious. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning makes a big difference. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste on top. It makes your meal look beautiful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Gather and prepare all ingredients. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to getting that bubbly, golden cheese. Next, lay out all the ingredients. It helps to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process. - Brown the ground beef. - Sauté onion and garlic. In a large skillet, add the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Keep cooking until it turns brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra fat to keep your dish light. Now, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. Wait until the onion is soft and smells great. This step builds a strong flavor base for your casserole. - Add tomatoes, macaroni, and beef broth. - Season and simmer until macaroni is tender. Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes with the juice. Then add the uncooked elbow macaroni and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Check it now and then. You want the macaroni to be tender and fully cooked. This step allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, making your casserole truly delicious. First, fold in the cheeses into the beef and macaroni mixture. Use half of the shredded cheddar and half of the mozzarella. Mix until you see the cheese melt into the dish. This adds great flavor and creaminess. Next, lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps the casserole not stick when it's done baking. Now, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is tasty. Then, take the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it on top. This creates a cheesy crust that everyone will love. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, which takes about 20-25 minutes. The aroma will make your mouth water. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice. Top with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious creation! Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is cooked until browned to develop rich flavors in the casserole. Use Al Dente Pasta: Cook the macaroni until it's just slightly underdone; it will continue to cook in the oven for the perfect texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist on this classic dish. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_4}} - Tips for cooking macaroni: Cook macaroni until just al dente. This ensures it stays firm when baked. If overcooked, it can turn mushy in the casserole. - Avoiding a greasy casserole: Drain the fat from the beef well after browning. This keeps the dish lighter and prevents excess oil from pooling. - Best cheeses for melting: Use shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Both melt beautifully and create a creamy texture. Blend them for a great taste. - Layering cheese for maximum flavor: Add half the cheese to the beef mix and top with the rest. This creates layers of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole. - Recommended additional seasonings: Try adding a pinch of paprika or chili powder for a bit of heat. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor, too. - Best pairing options: Serve with a crisp green salad. It adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole. A side of garlic bread also complements the meal well. You can switch out the ground beef. Try ground turkey or chicken instead. These meats are leaner. You still get a tasty dish. Another option is adding sausage. Sausage adds a nice spice. Use sweet or spicy sausage to change the flavor. If you want a meatless dish, use beans. Black beans or kidney beans work well. They add protein and fiber. Lentils are another great choice. They cook fast and soak up flavors. You can also use plant-based cheese. It melts well and tastes good. This makes the dish vegan-friendly. Add some vegetables to boost nutrients. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Spinach gives a nice green touch. You can change the spices too. Add chili powder for heat. Or sprinkle some paprika for a smoky flavor. This makes each bite exciting! For best results, store your leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure you cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. When it comes to reheating, you have two choices: oven or microwave. The oven keeps the cheese nice and gooey. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through. If you use the microwave, put a single portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in short bursts, about one minute at a time. Check it each time to avoid overcooking. To keep cheese from getting tough, cover it with a damp paper towel while heating. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for about 30 minutes. If it's still cold in the center, give it a few more minutes. Enjoy that cheesy goodness once more! Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. To do this, follow these steps: - Cook the beef, onion, and garlic as directed. - Mix in the tomatoes, macaroni, and broth. - Cool the mixture before adding the cheeses. - Transfer it to a greased baking dish, but do not bake yet. - Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven, add the remaining cheese, and bake as usual. This method saves time and makes serving easy. You can serve this casserole with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy complement - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added veggies - A light coleslaw for a refreshing crunch These sides balance the rich flavors and make your meal complete. Yes, you can adjust the recipe for different diets. Here are some options: - Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Ensure the beef broth is also gluten-free. - Dairy-free: Substitute the cheeses with dairy-free versions. You can also use almond milk instead of regular broth for a lighter touch. These changes keep the casserole delicious while meeting your needs. This blog post covered a delicious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake. We explored key ingredients like ground beef, cheese varieties, and seasonings. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and bake the dish, alongside tips for perfect consistency and flavor. Remember, you can customize this meal with different proteins and vegetables. With all this information, you can create a tasty casserole that suits your taste. Enjoy making this satisfying meal for yourself and loved ones!$

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring ground beef, macaroni, and two types of cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it is ready for baking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart while cooking, and continue until the beef is browned. Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Once the beef is browned, introduce the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté these ingredients together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring this delicious mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 10-12 minutes, checking occasionally, until the macaroni has softened.
Once the macaroni is tender, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, then pour the beef and macaroni mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top for that perfect cheesy finish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously bubbly and golden brown.
After baking, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword beef, casserole, cheesy, pasta