Category: Recipes That Started My Cooking Journey
This comforting casserole blends al dente macaroni with browned ground beef and sautéed onions. A creamy cheese sauce made from melted Velveeta, cheddar soup, sour cream, and Parmesan brings richness, seasoned gently with garlic and onion powders. The mixture is spread in a dish, topped with American cheese slices and a crunchy layer of crushed crackers, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for hearty family dinners, it reheats well and freezes beautifully for ease and convenience.
This Cheesy Macaroni and Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a luscious cheese sauce into one hearty dish. It’s the kind of meal you want to come home to after a busy day, packed with rich flavors and a satisfying cheesy crust. This casserole has become a family favorite in my home, often requested on chilly evenings when everyone craves something warm and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses common, pantry-friendly ingredients making it easy to prepare
Ready in about 40 minutes so it works for busy weeknights
Combines creamy, cheesy textures with a crunchy topping for perfect contrast
I first whipped this up on a spontaneous weeknight and saw how quickly it disappeared, now it’s a regular on our dinner rotation, especially because it pleases the kids and adults alike
Ingredients
Ground beef: one pound supplying a rich, savory base for the filling, look for fresh, lean beef for best flavor and less grease
Onion: one, chopped adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked until soft
Macaroni noodles: two cups cooked al dente form a tender and hearty foundation for the dish
Velveeta cheese: eight ounces melts smoothly to create the creamy cheese sauce, choose the original variety for that classic texture
Cheddar cheese soup: one can enhances cheesy richness and creaminess easily
Onion powder: half teaspoon provides an extra layer of onion flavor beyond the fresh onions
Garlic powder: one teaspoon brings savory warmth without overpowering
Sour cream: eight ounces adds tangy creaminess to balance the richness and bind the mixture
Parmesan cheese: half cup grated brings a salty and slightly nutty flavor that brightens the sauce
Milk: quarter cup helps loosen the sauce for a smooth consistency
American cheese slices: eight used as a melty topping that forms a gooey, golden crust
Salt and pepper: to taste essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together
Ritz cracker crumbs: one cup crushed provide a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray so the casserole does not stick. Set this dish aside until assembly.
Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook until they are just tender but still firm to the bite al dente. Drain well, then return the macaroni to the pot. Add the Velveeta cheese and stir gently over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and coats the noodles evenly creating a creamy base.
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet set over medium high heat add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft about 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste for a balanced savory flavor. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix thoroughly so everything is well combined creating a rich cheesy beef sauce.
Combine and Assemble:
Add the cheesy macaroni from the pot into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir carefully to combine the pasta and meat sauce evenly throughout. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish spreading it out evenly so every spoonful has a good balance of macaroni and beef.
Add Toppings:
Place the American cheese slices evenly over the top of the casserole creating a smooth layer that will melt beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs generously over the cheese slices to provide a golden, crunchy topping once baked.
Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the cheese topping is melted fully and the cracker crumbs become golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and the dish set slightly for easier serving.