Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole (Printer-Friendly)
Tender macaroni and ground beef combined with creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy topping for a satisfying dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 medium onion, chopped
→ Pasta
03 -
2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
→ Cheese and Dairy
04 -
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, melted
05 -
1 can (approx. 10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
06 -
8 ounces sour cream
07 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 -
1/4 cup whole milk
09 -
8 slices American cheese
→ Seasonings and Toppings
10 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 -
1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to pot while still warm.
03 -
Stir melted Velveeta cheese into the warm macaroni until noodles are evenly coated with creamy cheese sauce.
04 -
In a bowl or skillet with the cooked beef, mix together sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk until fully combined and smooth.
05 -
Fold the cheesy macaroni into the beef and sauce mixture gently until evenly incorporated.
06 -
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish smoothing the top for uniform cooking.
07 -
Arrange American cheese slices evenly over the casserole surface. Sprinkle crushed Ritz cracker crumbs on top fully covering the cheese layer.
08 -
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
09 -
Remove from oven and let rest for several minutes to allow setting. Serve warm.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Do not overcook the macaroni to prevent mushiness; slightly firm noodles finish cooking during baking.
02 -
Toast the cracker crumbs lightly in a dry pan before topping to enhance crunch and flavor.
03 -
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the layers set, making portions easier to serve.