If comfort had a flavor, I’m convinced it would taste exactly like Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast. Think: bubbling cheddar, tender pasta, and seasoned ground beef, all baked into one golden, creamy, weeknight masterpiece. This casserole is pure nostalgia, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or reviving tired tastebuds after a long day. Whenever you crave something that brings everyone running to the table, you just can’t go wrong with Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate the beauty of humble ingredients! Each one in this recipe plays its part to make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast a showstopper, contributing to the rich flavor, hearty texture, and irresistible cheese pull we all love.
- Ground Beef: The heart of this casserole, it delivers protein and just the right amount of savory depth.
- Onion: Offers a sweet aromatic base, perfectly complementing the beef and adding a touch of real-home flavor.
- Pasta: Use your favorite shape! The pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce and gives the dish its comforting bulk.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a subtle tang that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret to a luxuriously creamy sauce—no one will guess how easy it is to achieve!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheesy magic on top, giving every forkful that signature stretchy, golden topping.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor and gives that cozy, home-cooked aroma we all crave.
- Italian Seasoning: A pinch takes this casserole from basic to irresistible, adding warmth and complexity.
- Salt and Pepper: The essentials—season to taste for a perfectly balanced Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s good and hot by the time your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast is ready for baking. Trust me, waiting for bubbly cheese is hard enough—the oven needs to be ready to go.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and your kitchen smells amazing. This step is key for building rich, savory flavor at the base of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients
Once the beef is cooked, drain away excess fat for a lighter end result. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. As you stir, you’ll watch a gloriously creamy, savory sauce come together right before your eyes.
Step 4: Add the Cooked Pasta
Gently fold in your cooked pasta, making sure it’s evenly coated with that luscious, beefy sauce. This turns the mix into the signature Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast—one bite brings together all the best parts of a cozy baked dinner.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out for even cooking. Sprinkle generous handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese across the top. This is where the magic happens—the cheese gets beautifully golden and creates a gooey, irresistible layer.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready by the mouthwatering aroma and that picture-perfect cheddar crust.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast sit for a few minutes before serving. Not only does this keep you from burning your tongue, but it also helps the casserole set up just enough so every serving holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast
Garnishes
Give your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast a finishing flair! Sprinkle on chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a few diced tomatoes right before serving. These garnishes add brightness and a little freshness that beautifully contrasts with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to serve Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast, but pairing is everything! A crisp green salad, tender steamed broccoli, or buttered green beans balance out the casserole’s hearty flavors. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up any leftovers on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
While a classic casserole dish is always a winner, you can also spoon Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy look. For kids, try muffin tins for perfectly portioned, fun-to-eat servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast makes fantastic leftovers. Simply transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and stash in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully, making each reheat even tastier.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer friendly! Assemble it (hold the cheese topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Add the cheese before baking and toss directly into the oven for a fuss-free dinner, even on your busiest days.
Reheating
To bring your Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast back to life, pop a serving in the microwave for a couple of minutes (cover loosely to avoid splatters). Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for bonus melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast, you can mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a fun twist on flavor and meltiness.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbows are perfect. They soak up all the creamy sauce and are easy to scoop, but feel free to use whatever you have tucked away in your pantry.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas are delicious additions to Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast. They add color, nutrients, and even more layers of flavor to every bite.
How do I make it ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle on the cheese and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time straight from the fridge.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, try homemade white sauce or swap in cream of chicken. Both options will still give Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast that signature creaminess and luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, let Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast become your new go-to comfort recipe. It’s easy, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying—so gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and dig in to this cheesy classic!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Casserole Tast Recipe
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef, pasta, diced tomatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain excess fat and stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
