One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (separated); 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 0 salt and pepper (to taste); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked); 0.75 cup sour cream (at room temperature); 0.5 cup whole milk (at room temperature); 0 chopped parsley (to garnish)

Introduction to One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the perfect meal for those cozy nights when you want something warm, comforting, and easy to prepare. Packed with flavor and loaded with cheesy goodness, this dish brings a smile to the faces of everyone at the dinner table. Plus, it’s cooked all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

A Personal Story Behind My One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Journey

Growing up, my family had a few go-to recipes that always made our evenings special. One of those was a cheesy casserole that my grandmother would whip up whenever we had a busy day. The aroma of melting cheese and savory beef filled the house, and it was the highlight of our week. Now, I love recreating this comforting dish for my own family, bringing back those warm memories while creating new ones.

What Makes This One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot and minimal prep time. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and a generous amount of cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. Additionally, it’s versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

The Full One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean)
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni, *uncooked*
¾ cup sour cream, at room temperature
½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
Chopped Parsley, to garnish

Instructions

Shred the cheese and set it aside at room temperature for later use.
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper according to your preference. This step is important to enhance the flavor of the meat.

In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onions. Drain any excess grease after the beef is browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld.
Pour in the beef broth and uncooked macaroni, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium-low heat.
Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir well, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the macaroni is just al dente. Be sure to check occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reduce the heat to low.
Mix in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Add the remaining milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
Gradually add 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. This will make the casserole wonderfully cheesy.
Once the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is uniform, top with the remaining cheese.

Cover and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. This creates a delicious cheesy crust on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot! Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables on the side. For variations, consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a kick. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability to suit your family’s tastes!

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed, until warmed through.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef, while still keeping the flavor delicious. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply add more vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 6