Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper) Recipe

Introduction

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, homemade alternative to boxed hamburger helper. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, it’s an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 small carrot, chopped (optional)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef, preferably lean
• 12 oz (340 g) dried macaroni, uncooked
• 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha, adjust to taste
• 1 tsp American chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or substitute onion powder)
• 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomato
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 – 2 cups (150 – 200 g) shredded cheddar or tasty cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, for topping
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped celery and carrot if using, and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Increase heat to high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the macaroni, frozen corn (if using), chicken broth, hot sauce, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, crushed tomato, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook for 8 minutes. The pasta should be nearly cooked and the sauce thick but not dry.
7. Step 7: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Cover again and cook for another 2 minutes to melt the mozzarella.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat. The pasta should be tender but firm and coated in a rich, saucy mixture.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the hot sauce and chili powder.
• Swap macaroni for elbow pasta or small shells if preferred.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion for extra veggies.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Stir in a handful of spinach or kale near the end of cooking for added color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to step 6, then cool and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, add the cheese toppings and follow the remaining steps to cook and melt the cheese.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to freeze the casserole without the fresh cheese toppings. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding cheese.

Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful homemade version of a classic Hamburger Helper. Combining lean ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a cheesy finish. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, it cooks all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 small carrot, chopped (optional)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)

Meat and Pasta

• 500 g / 1 lb ground beef, preferably lean
• 12 oz / 340 g dried macaroni, uncooked

Vegetables and Liquids

• 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth/stock

Spices and Sauces

• 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha, adjust to taste
• 1 tsp American chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or substitute with onion powder)
• 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1.5 – 2 cups (150 – 200 g) shredded cheddar or tasty cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, for topping
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add vegetables: Add chopped celery and carrot if using, and cook for 3 minutes until they are softened.
3. Cook the ground beef: Increase heat to high, add the ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and cook until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Add remaining ingredients except cheese: Stir in the dried macaroni, frozen corn (if using), chicken broth, hot sauce, chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Simmer the casserole: Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 8 minutes, allowing the macaroni to soften but still retain a slightly firm texture.
6. Incorporate cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly until melted and well distributed in the sauce.
7. Add mozzarella topping: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole.
8. Final melt and cook: Cover with the lid again and cook for an additional 2 minutes to melt the mozzarella on top.
9. Remove from heat and check texture: Take the casserole off the stove. The pasta should be tender but firm, and the dish should be rich and saucy rather than dry or mushy.
10. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Optional vegetables like carrot and celery add flavor and nutrition but can be omitted for simplicity.
• Adjust hot sauce to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder version.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, homemade hamburger helper, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake