Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Creamy, savory, and utterly comforting — this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef raw
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic chopped or minced
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 28 oz pureed tomatoes or your favorite pasta sauce
- 16 oz macaroni noodles box
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Mix in 1/2 teaspoon oregano, the 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and the can of 28 oz pureed tomatoes (or pasta sauce). Stir to combine, then reduce heat and simmer on low, uncovered, for about 1 hour to develop flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni until it is halfway done (about half the package cooking time). Drain the pasta well — it should still be slightly firm since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Stir the drained macaroni into the beef and sauce mixture. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. At this point you can mix in some of the grated cheese for extra creaminess, or save all the cheese for the top.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and smooth the top. Cover the dish with foil. You can either bake immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for convenience.
- When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes if it was chilled; if baking immediately, check after 25 to 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top, then broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
Pair this hearty casserole with bright, fresh sides to balance richness. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad adds a fresh contrast.