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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add vegetables: Add chopped celery and carrot if using, and cook for 3 minutes until they are softened.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly until melted and well distributed in the sauce.
- Add mozzarella topping: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Final melt and cook: Cover with the lid again and cook for an additional 2 minutes to melt the mozzarella on top.
- 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.
- 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
