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Close up of cheesy hamburger casserole cheese pull on a spoon.

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Casey Rooney
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a homemade version of the boxed comfort food we all know and love. Made with macaroni noodles, ground beef, melty cheese, and savory tomato sauce - this easy recipe is hearty, satisfying, and delicious. It will become a family favorite fast!
4.75 from 8 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 521 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 oz. box pasta short pasta such as penne, shells, bowties, and macaroni all work great!
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (one small onion)
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef if you want your casserole extra meaty, use 1 1/2 lbs!
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp dry basil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp dry thyme
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 28 oz. can pureed tomatoes can substitute a jar of marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella to be maximum cheese flavor and meltiness, shred your cheese straight off the block!
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Cook pasta a minute or two less than package directions. Pasta will continue to cook/bake in the meat sauce, so no need to overcook! Drain and set aside.
    Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cook Meat: In a large oven-proof skillet (See Note 1) over medium, heat oil. When oil is hot, add onions and cook until soft (about 2-3 minutes). Add ground beef and seasonings (salt, pepper, dry basil, garlic powder, and thyme).
    Cook beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. (Pro tip: Switch to a potato masher when the meat is about halfway done-it helps get the meat broken up nice and fine!) Cook beef for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
  • Add: Turn off heat and add tomatoes (or marinara, if using) and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Then, add pasta and mix until well-combined. Stir in half of the cheeses (mozzarella and Parmesan).
    *At this point if you don't have a pan that can go from stove to oven, you can transfer this mixture into a 9x13 casserole dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
  • Bake & Finish: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top. Then, bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until nice and bubbly and cheese is golden brown. Tip: You can also choose to broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes to get the cheese even more golden brown!

Notes

Note 1: If you don't have a pan that can go from stove to oven, simple prepare the recipe to Step 3 then transfer the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator
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Nutrition

Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 32gFat: 17.5gSaturated Fat: 6.1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 704mgPotassium: 730mgFiber: 4.6gSugar: 11gCalcium: 114mgIron: 5mg
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