Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Easy and Comforting Dish

by Abigail on August 19, 2025

Are you ready for an easy meal that brings comfort to your table? My Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is just the dish you need! With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that your whole family will love. No need for fancy techniques—this recipe is all about tasty flavors and warm, cheesy goodness. Let’s get cooking!

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, 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 - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When you cook, it helps to know the right amounts. Here’s a quick guide: - 1 lb ground beef is about 16 ounces. - 1 medium onion is roughly 1 cup when chopped. - 2 cloves garlic should be minced fine. - 1 can of diced tomatoes holds 15 ounces, perfect for flavor. - 1 cup elbow macaroni is dry and will cook up nicely. - 2 cups beef broth keeps everything moist and tasty. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning adds a nice touch. - 1 cup of each cheese gives that cheesy goodness. Using fresh ingredients can enhance the taste. Fresh onions and garlic pack more flavor than dried or powdered forms. I love using fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a pop of color and taste. Canned tomatoes save time and still taste great. The green chilies add a nice kick without being too spicy. For the macaroni, I always choose uncooked. It cooks perfectly in the casserole and absorbs flavors well. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your casserole bakes evenly. Grab a large skillet and a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease the baking dish with a little oil. This helps the casserole come out easily. Next, place the skillet on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until it’s brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat, then add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook until the onion turns soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Now, it’s time to mix in the main ingredients. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni, and 2 cups of beef broth. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is tender. After simmering, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until it’s well combined. Now, carefully pour this mixture into the greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger casserole bake! To boost flavor, use Italian seasoning. It adds herbs like oregano and basil. You can also add a dash of paprika for warmth. If you like spice, try some cayenne pepper. These spices blend well with the beef and tomatoes. To cook evenly, make sure to break apart the ground beef. Brown it well before adding other ingredients. Stir the mixture often while it simmers. This helps the macaroni cook evenly. If you notice any clumps, break them up gently. For the best cheese melt, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can affect melting. Spread cheese evenly across the top before baking. This ensures a nice, golden layer. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Properly: Make sure to brown the ground beef well for enhanced flavor. This caramelization adds depth to your casserole. Use Quality Cheese: Opt for a high-quality sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for a richer taste and better melting texture. Add Veggies: Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You might also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. If you want a different pasta, use penne or rotini. They work well in casseroles too. Just remember, the cooking time might change a bit. To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use a mix of beans for protein, like black beans or kidney beans. You can add more veggies too, like bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps the flavor rich. Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the cheesy dish. You can also add garlic bread on the side. It will soak up any extra sauce. For a fun twist, top with sliced jalapeños for heat. Enjoy your meal with a cold drink, like iced tea or lemonade. To keep your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps the casserole fresh for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, take a portion from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. For a bubbly finish, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your cheesy delight! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake it. This makes it a great choice for busy days. If you want to switch things up, use other pasta types. You can try rotini, penne, or even shells. Each pasta shape brings a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. The casserole can last for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead. Absolutely! Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition and flavor. You can include bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just chop them small and add them when cooking the beef. This makes your dish even more colorful and tasty. In this post, we explored the tasty Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake. You learned about the key ingredients and their measurements. We covered step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and flavor variations. Don't forget how to properly store and reheat leftovers for the best taste. This dish is easy to make and offers room for creativity. Whether you cook for family or friends, everyone will love it. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this comforting meal your own!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty ingredients that warm your soul.
Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
Customizable: This dish allows you to add your favorite vegetables or swap out meats, making it versatile for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: It serves six and is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

List of ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, 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

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Measurement details (e.g., cups, ounces)

When you cook, it helps to know the right amounts. Here’s a quick guide:

– 1 lb ground beef is about 16 ounces.

– 1 medium onion is roughly 1 cup when chopped.

– 2 cloves garlic should be minced fine.

– 1 can of diced tomatoes holds 15 ounces, perfect for flavor.

– 1 cup elbow macaroni is dry and will cook up nicely.

– 2 cups beef broth keeps everything moist and tasty.

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning adds a nice touch.

– 1 cup of each cheese gives that cheesy goodness.

Fresh versus canned ingredients

Using fresh ingredients can enhance the taste. Fresh onions and garlic pack more flavor than dried or powdered forms. I love using fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a pop of color and taste. Canned tomatoes save time and still taste great. The green chilies add a nice kick without being too spicy. For the macaroni, I always choose uncooked. It cooks perfectly in the casserole and absorbs flavors well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the oven and preparing equipment

First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your casserole bakes evenly. Grab a large skillet and a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease the baking dish with a little oil. This helps the casserole come out easily.

Browning the ground beef and aromatic ingredients

Next, place the skillet on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until it’s brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat, then add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook until the onion turns soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

Combining ingredients and simmering

Now, it’s time to mix in the main ingredients. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni, and 2 cups of beef broth. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is tender.

Transferring to the baking dish and adding cheese

After simmering, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until it’s well combined. Now, carefully pour this mixture into the greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking time and temperature

Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger casserole bake!

Tips & Tricks

How to enhance flavor with seasonings

To boost flavor, use Italian seasoning. It adds herbs like oregano and basil. You can also add a dash of paprika for warmth. If you like spice, try some cayenne pepper. These spices blend well with the beef and tomatoes.

Best practices for even cooking

To cook evenly, make sure to break apart the ground beef. Brown it well before adding other ingredients. Stir the mixture often while it simmers. This helps the macaroni cook evenly. If you notice any clumps, break them up gently.

Cheese melting tips for a perfect finish

For the best cheese melt, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can affect melting. Spread cheese evenly across the top before baking. This ensures a nice, golden layer.

Pro Tips

Brown the Beef Properly: Make sure to brown the ground beef well for enhanced flavor. This caramelization adds depth to your casserole.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for a high-quality sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for a richer taste and better melting texture.
Add Veggies: Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier serving.

Variations

Ingredient substitutions

You can change the meat in this dish. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You might also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. If you want a different pasta, use penne or rotini. They work well in casseroles too. Just remember, the cooking time might change a bit.

Vegetarian version of Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use a mix of beans for protein, like black beans or kidney beans. You can add more veggies too, like bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps the flavor rich.

Serving suggestions and pairings

Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the cheesy dish. You can also add garlic bread on the side. It will soak up any extra sauce. For a fun twist, top with sliced jalapeños for heat. Enjoy your meal with a cold drink, like iced tea or lemonade.

Storage Info

How to store leftovers properly

To keep your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps the casserole fresh for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.

Reheating suggestions for optimal taste

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, take a portion from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. For a bubbly finish, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your cheesy delight!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake it. This makes it a great choice for busy days.

What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

If you want to switch things up, use other pasta types. You can try rotini, penne, or even shells. Each pasta shape brings a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?

The casserole can last for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition and flavor. You can include bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just chop them small and add them when cooking the beef. This makes your dish even more colorful and tasty.

In this post, we explored the tasty Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake. You learned about the key ingredients and their measurements. We covered step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and flavor variations. Don’t forget how to properly store and reheat leftovers for the best taste.

This dish is easy to make and offers room for creativity. Whether you cook for family or friends, everyone will love it. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this comforting meal your ow

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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, 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 and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword beef, casserole, cheesy, pasta