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Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole

Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole
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A comforting and hearty Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole combining creamy cheese, tender elbow macaroni, and savory ground beef in an easy-to-make one-dish meal. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, featuring rich flavors, simple ingredients, and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs: ½ tsp paprika or 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, taking care not to overcook to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
  2. Brown the Hamburger: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs such as paprika or Italian seasoning.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked macaroni with the browned hamburger mixture and canned tomato sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the combined ingredients and gently fold to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercook to retain firmness after baking.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor depth.
  • Drain the fat thoroughly from cooked ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to set and make serving easier.
  • Fold ingredients gently to keep pasta intact and evenly coated with sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy macaroni casserole, hamburger casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked macaroni and cheese with beef

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-macaroni-hamburger-casserole/