Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
5
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Calories
693 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheeseburger Casserole (Homemade Hamburger Helper)
Description
This homemade Cheeseburger Casserole starts by sautéing garlic, onion, celery, and carrot before adding lean ground beef and cooking until browned. Macaroni is mixed into a tomato-rich sauce made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and a blend of chili powder, oregano, and garlic powder, infusing the dish with layered savory and mildly spicy notes.
Once the pasta is nearly cooked by simmering in the sauce, shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in for flavor, followed by a topping of mozzarella cheese melted by covering the pan briefly. The casserole maintains a juicy but not watery texture, blending soft pasta with meaty sauce and creamy cheese. Green onion garnish adds freshness.
Variations can include additional vegetables, substituting spices, and adjusting cheese choices for deeper flavor. Leftovers reheat well, though the sauce thickens as the pasta absorbs liquid. This dish suits casual family meals seeking a comforting, familiar flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 carrot chopped (optional, small
- 1 celery chopped (optional, stalk
- 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef preferably lean, mince
- 12 oz / 340g macaroni uncooked, dried
- 1/2 cup corn optional, frozen
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium, or stock
- 1 tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste, or Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp American chili powder (Note 1)
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tsp garlic powder , or sub onion powder
- 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 - 2 cups (150 - 200g) cheddar or tasty cheese, shredded (Note 3)
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese , for topping
Garnish (optional)
- 1 green onion , sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Add celery and carrot, cook 3 minutes until soft.
- Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink - 3 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, add macaroni, then turn down to medium or medium low so it's simmering gently.
- Cover, cook 8 minutes. Pasta should be just about cooked, and still nice and saucy.
- Add cheddar cheese, stir. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with lid, cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked - tender but firm, not mushy, slick with sauce, not dried out.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if using.
Notes
- Additional diced vegetables can be added or substituted as desired for more variety.
- American chili powder is a spice blend; in its absence, use 1/4 tsp each of paprika, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Choose flavored cheeses like cheddar rather than mild options such as mozzarella for better taste depth.
- The casserole reheats well in a microwave and can be frozen, though freezing has not been extensively tested.
- Make-ahead option: cook beef and combine liquids, refrigerate, then add pasta and cook when ready.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 693 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 456g | |
| Calories | 693cal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 63.3g | 21% |
| Protein | 51.5g | 103% |
| Fat | 25.4g | 39% |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5g | 63% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.9g | 76% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 748mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 4.9g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7.7g | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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