Nothing beats the comfort of a bubbling, cheese-laden casserole after a busy day. With just one pot on the stove and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a comforting One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole in no time – one delicious meal, minimal cleanup! This dish combines savory ground beef with tender elbow macaroni, all bathed in a rich tomato-beef broth and crowned with ooey-gooey cheddar. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table with eager forks in hand, ready to dive into layers of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re juggling work, soccer practice, or simply craving a hearty family recipe, this casserole has your back.
Every mouthful is a little celebration of flavors: the sweet burst of diced tomatoes, the gentle bite of garlic, and the fresh pop of peas mingling with creamy cheese. As a busy home cook, I’ve found that this beginner-friendly recipe offers a perfect balance of speed and satisfaction—just 10 minutes of prep, 30 minutes simmering away, and a brief 5-minute rest before serving. Clocking in at about 450 calories per serving, it’s a wholesome course dinner that feels indulgent without tipping the scales. I vividly remember the first time I made this for my family: even my picky eater couldn’t resist the cheesy pull of the pasta, and we all leaned in closer, sharing stories between cheesy bites. It’s become a weeknight staple in our home, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-POT CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
Let’s talk about the building blocks that make this dish so irresistible. Each ingredient shines on its own while playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty base of seasoned beef to the final cheesy flourish, here’s why you’ll love every component of this easy dinner.
- Ground beef
Adds a savory, meaty foundation that turns this dish into a hearty family-friendly meal. When browned properly, it brings rich flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Onion
Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic depth. As it softens and becomes translucent, it melds seamlessly with the beef for a balanced base.
- Garlic
Infuses a warm, pungent note that awakens your taste buds. Minced finely, it disperses evenly and enhances the overall savory profile.
- Diced tomatoes
Contribute juicy brightness and a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness. Their undrained juices help create a luscious, flavorful sauce.
- Tomato sauce
Thickens the broth into a silky, tomato-forward base, ensuring every macaroni nook is coated in tangy goodness.
- Beef broth
Deepens the flavor with a robust, meaty background. It also provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta directly in the pot.
- Elbow macaroni
Offers the perfect shape for capturing sauce and melted cheese in every tender curve, making each bite delightfully creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Melts into gooey ribbons throughout and on top of the casserole, delivering that irresistible cheese pull that everyone loves.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and intensifying the savory notes of the beef.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and depth, rounding out the taste with a touch of spice.
- Italian seasoning
Brings a fragrant blend of herbs—oregano, basil, thyme—that give the casserole a classic, comforting aroma.
- Frozen peas
Introduce a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, brightening each cheesy, meaty spoonful.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-POT CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
Let’s dive into the simple, step-by-step magic that turns these ingredients into a soul-soothing dinner. No fancy techniques here—just a comfortable, one-pot process that any home cook can master.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Use a sturdy spatula to break the meat into crumbles, and once it’s no longer pink, carefully drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic doesn’t burn but instead releases its fragrant oils.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to mix well, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful browned bits.
4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
6. Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the peas are heated through, creating a creamy, vibrant filling.
7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for a few minutes, allowing that top layer of cheese to melt into a perfect golden blanket.
8. Serve the casserole hot straight from the pot. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-POT CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
Serving this hearty casserole is all about highlighting its comforting vibes and adding little touches that elevate each bite. Whether you’re dishing it out right after simmering or preparing plates for guests, these suggestions will ensure your meal looks and tastes like a five-star comfort feast.
- Pair it with a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the casserole’s richness. The fresh crunch of lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes cleanses the palate between cheesy bites.
- Offer a basket of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast. The golden, buttery slices are perfect for dipping into any leftover tomato-beef sauce clinging to the sides of your plate.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions. The vibrant green flecks add color and a subtle herbaceous note to every cheesy scoop.
- Serve alongside a dollop of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for guests who love a bit of kick. The cool creaminess or spicy heat brings an extra layer of flavor.
HOW TO STORE ONE-POT CHEESY HAMBURGER CASSEROLE
When you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly means more cozy meals later in the week. This casserole keeps its cheesy texture and robust flavors if you follow a few simple steps. Whether you’re stashing it in the fridge or freezing for a rainy day, here’s how to maintain that fresh-from-the-pot goodness.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the casserole to tightly sealed containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring the cheese stays melty and the pasta doesn’t dry out.
- Freeze in portions: Divide the cooled casserole into meal-sized portions and place each in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Press out extra air before sealing, then freeze for up to 2 months for easy reheating.
- Label and date: Use a sticky label or permanent marker to note the date and contents on each container. This helps you rotate through meals and prevents freezer mystery dinners.
- Reheat gently: Thaw refrigerated or frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or covered on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore creaminess.
CONCLUSION
What began as a simple idea—combining ground beef, pasta, and cheese in one pot—has blossomed into a family-favorite, easy dinner that delivers big on flavor and minimal cleanup. This One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole stands as a testament to the magic that happens when savory ground beef meets tender macaroni, all wrapped in a rich tomato-beef broth and finished with a blanket of gooey cheddar. From the first sizzle of browned beef to the final moment when the cheese stretches with each scoop, this recipe offers beginner cooks a roadmap to comfort food success in just about 45 minutes. Feel free to customize it by swapping in ground turkey, tossing in extra veggies, or even making it gluten-free with a pasta substitute. The guidelines are flexible, so your kitchen creativity can shine.
As you gather around the table, I hope this article inspires you to print it out and save it for later use—whether it’s for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. You’ll find a FAQ below to address any burning questions, from ingredient swaps to tips on reheating leftovers for maximum cheesiness. Give this casserole a try and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your comments, questions, or feedback if you take this cheesy journey in your own kitchen. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy, delicious meals ahead!
One-Pot Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Description
Savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and gooey cheddar come together in this hearty casserole, making it a family-favorite meal that's both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
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Add the uncooked macaroni, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
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Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese on top melts.
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Serve the casserole hot. Enjoy!
Note
- For added flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
