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Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

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4.7 from 82 reviews

This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty main course featuring savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners, this classic American favorite comes together quickly for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Meat & Cheese

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once you’ve assembled the casserole ingredients.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
  4. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, just enough for the flavors to meld.
  5. Add Cheese: Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s melted and distributed evenly throughout the beef and pasta mixture.
  6. Bake: Transfer the entire mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, spreading it into an even layer. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Notes

  • If you want extra creaminess, stir a splash of milk into the pasta mixture before baking.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
  • Feel free to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the onions for more vegetables and flavor.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking directly from the fridge.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://sophiasplate.com/cheesy-hamburger-casserole/