Hearty Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort food takes center stage with this delectable hamburger macaroni and cheese casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy embrace that warms the soul.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Home cooks love how quickly this one-pan meal comes together with simple ingredients.

The golden, bubbling cheese creates an irresistible top layer that calls everyone to the dinner table.

This classic casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family moments.

You’ll want seconds of this mouthwatering dish that combines classic American comfort food with homestyle charm.

Storage Tips For Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

• Why use Velveeta cheese in this recipe?

Velveeta melts smoothly and creates a creamy, rich texture that helps bind the ingredients together, giving the casserole a luxurious and consistent cheese flavor throughout the dish.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or nutritional needs.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value and add more color and texture to the casserole.

Comfort On Every Forkful: Cheesy Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole

• Whip up this hearty casserole with minimal prep and basic ingredients that most home cooks already have in their kitchen.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar flavors that children love, making mealtime a breeze for parents.
• Perfect for gatherings, this one-dish wonder feeds a hungry group without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Easily customizable with additional spices or vegetables, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your family's taste preferences.

Macaroni Casserole Essentials For The Ultimate Cheesy Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty taste and adds moisture to the dish.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta that provides a comforting base for the casserole.

• Velveeta Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and melts perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Adds depth and additional cheesy flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy undertone to the casserole.
• American Cheese Slices: Offers a mild, melty topping for the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds richness and a subtle tangy flavor.
• Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provide additional depth and aromatic seasoning.

• Ritz Cracker Crumbs: Adds a crunchy, buttery texture to the casserole.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the meat mixture.

Tools To Make Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole Easy

• Large pot: For boiling macaroni and melting Velveeta cheese.
• Colander: To drain macaroni after cooking.
• Skillet: For browning beef and onions, mixing ingredients.
• 9×13 baking dish: To assemble and bake the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring ingredients and mixing.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for grating Parmesan cheese if needed.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.

Step-By-Step: Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole Done Right

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Boil Those Noodles

Toss macaroni into boiling water and cook until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Melt The Cheese Base

Drop Velveeta into the warm noodles and stir until it transforms into a silky, golden sauce.

Step 4: Brown The Meat

Grab a skillet and brown ground beef with diced onions.

Season generously with salt and pepper until meat is fully cooked and onions turn translucent.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese soup
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Milk

Stir until everything creates a luscious, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Marry Noodles And Meat

Fold the cheesy noodles into the meaty skillet, ensuring everything gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 7: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 8: Add Crispy Toppings

Layer American cheese slices across the top and sprinkle Ritz cracker crumbs for an irresistible crunch.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 10: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and get ready to dive into pure comfort food bliss!

Tips For The Cheesiest, Heartiest Casserole Experience

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the meat's richness and complexity.
• Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover for the last 5-7 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Grate the Velveeta instead of cubing to ensure smoother, more even melting throughout the dish.
• Lightly toast Ritz cracker crumbs in butter before sprinkling on top for extra golden, crispy texture.
• Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of onion soup to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Ways To Change Up Your Macaroni & Hamburger Casserole

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crumbs. Swap cheddar cheese soup with a homemade gluten-free cream sauce.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and protein-rich nutritional yeast for cheesy taste.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Replace Ritz crumbs with crushed pork rinds for a crispy topping. Use full-fat cream cheese to maintain richness.

Cheesy Macaroni Casserole: Satisfying Serving Ideas

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty casserole for a delightful dinner experience.
• Protein-Packed Meal Booster: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Game Night Companion: Perfect side dish for movie marathons or casual gatherings with friends, offering satisfying and filling comfort.
• Leftover Magic Maker: Reheat gently the next day for a quick lunch or transform into a cold pasta salad by adding fresh chopped herbs.

Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty macaroni and hamburger casserole brings comfort to dinner tables across America. Cheesy layers blend ground beef, pasta, and creamy sauce for a satisfying family meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 slices american cheese
• 8 ounces velveeta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni noodles
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup crushed ritz cracker crumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
3. Return drained macaroni to the pot and melt Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and coating the noodles evenly.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onions, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor complexity.
6. Incorporate sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, Parmesan cheese, and milk into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Gently fold the cheese-coated macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
8. Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
9. Arrange American cheese slices across the top and sprinkle Ritz cracker crumbs for a crispy, golden topping.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and crumbs turn golden brown.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Enhance cheese flavor by mixing different types of cheese like sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a more complex taste profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create healthier or vegetarian versions of the casserole.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cheese soup and adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of extra salt.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the beef mixture for added vitamins and fiber.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1060 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg