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An extreme close-up of the cheesy hamburger casserole, highlighting the melted golden-brown cheese and savory ground beef sauce.

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food!)

An easy, delicious, and budget-friendly Cheesy Hamburger Casserole recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. This family-favorite dish combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a layer of gooey, melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 12 oz egg noodles or other short pasta
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from a block. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.