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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
- Return drained macaroni to the pot and melt Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and coating the noodles evenly.
- 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.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Incorporate sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, Parmesan cheese, and milk into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Gently fold the cheese-coated macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Arrange American cheese slices across the top and sprinkle Ritz cracker crumbs for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and crumbs turn golden brown.
- 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