This Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole will be your new go-to dish that’s bound to become a beloved staple at your dinner table.
A homemade recipe that marries the heartiness of a hamburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese.
Not only is it an easy recipe to whip up for any family dinner, but it’s also is the perfect comfort meal for potlucks or as a kid-friendly dish that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds.
A simple, delicious recipe for creamy hamburger casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole Ingredients
Refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, its shape holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty layer to the casserole, making it a satisfying main dish.
- Salt and black pepper: These seasoning staples enhance the flavors of the beef and cheese sauce.
- Onion seasoning and minced garlic: Key aromatics that infuse the casserole with depth and a hint of sweetness.
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
The cheese sauce is the heart of the dish, combining:
- Butter and all-purpose flour: Together, they form a roux that thickens the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and creamy.
- Evaporated milk and heavy cream: These dairy heroes add luxurious texture and a lovely creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Beef broth: Introduces a layer of complexity and enriches the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese: These cheeses melt into the sauce, offering a perfect balance of tang, saltiness, and meltiness that clings to every noodle.
How to Make Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed step by step instructions.
- Cook Macaroni: Al dente, drain.
- Brown Beef: Season and cook until brown.
- Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, add flour, milk, cream, broth, then cheese until smooth.
- Mix & Bake: Combine macaroni, beef, sauce in dish. Top with cheese, bake until golden.
Tips and Notes
- Cooking the macaroni al dente is key to avoiding a mushy casserole.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- A handful of cheddar cheese on top gives the casserole a beautifully melted and golden brown crust.
Storage and Leftovers
This hamburger mac and cheese not only tastes amazing fresh out of the oven but also makes for excellent leftovers. Here are some storage tips:
- In the fridge: Keep the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Meal prep: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat for a stress-free family dinner.
What Do I Serve with Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole?
Pair your Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole with a garden salad for freshness, roasted broccoli and cauliflower for a hearty side, cilantro lime rice for a zesty touch, or a cucumber salad for a crisp contrast. Cornbread rounds out the meal with its sweet, buttery flavor. Each side dish adds its own unique balance to the rich, cheesy casserole.
Hamburger Mac and Cheese Casserole
Enjoy a comforting family-friendly meal with our Hamburger Mac & Cheese Casserole. Packed with creamy cheese, hearty beef, and tender macaroni, it's a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults, making dinner times joyful and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of onion seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 5 ounce can of evaporated milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 2 cups + handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a boil, and cook the elbow macaroni until it's just al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the beef broth and continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and browned ground beef. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle an extra handful of cheddar cheese over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This makes serving easier and allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 935Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 35gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 219mgSodium 1463mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 52g
