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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe – Easy One-Pot Family Dinner

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This cheesy hamburger casserole is a comforting, one-pot family dinner packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the cheese if using blocks. Measure out pasta, broth, and seasonings.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well. Add bell peppers or other veggies if using.
  6. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Pasta should be tender but not mushy. Add more broth or water if needed.
  8. Turn off heat. Stir in half the cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheese and Parmesan on top. Cover for 2-3 minutes to melt.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in frozen peas or corn if using, and let them warm through.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Add a splash of broth to loosen if mixture thickens.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese substitutes work well. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. For a crispy cheese topping, broil for 2-3 minutes if your pot is oven-safe. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, one-pot dinner, ground beef casserole, family meal, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, pasta bake

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cheesy-hamburger-casserole-recipe-easy-one-pot-family-dinner/