Easy and Delicious Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper)

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Cheeseburger Casserole! This dish combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into one hearty casserole. It’s simple to make and packed with ingredients that are easy to find. This homemade version of Hamburger Helper saves you time and is a lot tastier than the boxed version.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own Cheeseburger Casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy a comfort food classic without all the preservatives and additives found in pre-packaged meals. You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the ingredients and spice levels. Plus, this one-pot meal minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights. It’s filling, affordable, and brings smiles to the dinner table.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Making Cheeseburger Casserole is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps for a fabulous meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and garlic, cook for 1 minute.
Add celery and carrot, cook for 3 minutes until soft.
Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink—about 3 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, then add macaroni. Turn down to medium or medium-low so it’s simmering gently.
Cover and cook for 8 minutes. The pasta should be just about cooked and still saucy.
Add cheddar cheese, stir, and then top with mozzarella cheese.
Cover with a lid and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Remove from stove. The pasta should now be tender but firm, slick with sauce, not dried out.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if desired.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole

Serve this delicious casserole hot from the pot. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. You can also top it with additional green onions or even pickles for that extra burger flair!

How to Store Cheeseburger Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. You can then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Choose lean meat: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Add your favorite veggies: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
Customize the spice: Adjust the hot sauce and chili powder to fit your taste, or leave it out for a milder dish.

Variation

You can turn this casserole into a Mexican-inspired dish by adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning instead of the traditional spices. Top it with nacho cheese for something different!