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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake: Comfort Food Magic in 30 Minutes

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake combines ground beef, oozy cheese, and elbow macaroni into a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
  • 1 medium Onion Can substitute with shallots or green onions.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Marinara sauce makes a flavorful substitute.
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are convenient; fresh is great in season.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Dried basil or oregano can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Gluten-free pasta can be used.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded) Can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Consider provolone or fontina as alternatives.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can make a healthier substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Stir until evenly mixed.
  7. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted to golden perfection.
  9. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole can be customized with veggies and different cheese options for a unique twist. Perfect for fridge storage and reheating.

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