Tonight, let’s talk about easy weeknight meals. I know you’re always looking for simple, comforting dinners that everyone at home will love, especially ones that make good use of ground beef. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic hamburger casserole recipes that are big on flavor and light on effort, perfect for busy evenings.
I find these cheesy ground beef casseroles are the best kind of comforting food. They are simple to put together, use ingredients you likely have, and always make enough for leftovers. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole: Your New Favorite Dinner
This classic casserole brings together juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese for a hearty meal. It’s a go-to family recipe that comes together quickly and always gets rave reviews.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Hamburger Casserole
- Ground Beef Choice: Use lean ground beef to cut down on fat. Remember to drain any excess grease after browning for the best taste and a lighter casserole.
- Cheese Blend for Melt: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor. Freshly shredded cheese often melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
What You Need for This Easy Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked according to package directions
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked macaroni, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mix together well.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
📝 Final Note
For best results, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before you serve it. This helps the cheese set and makes for easier, neater portions.
Simple Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for Busy Nights
If you love a meal that’s all in one dish, this hamburger and rice casserole is perfect. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes it a real comfort food for any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Rice Casserole
- Rice Choice: Long-grain white rice works best here, as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors well. If you use brown rice, it will need more liquid and cooking time.
- Creamy Base: A can of cream of mushroom soup adds a lovely creamy texture without extra fuss. Don’t skip it for that classic, comforting casserole feel.
What You Need for This Easy Rice Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds nice color and flavor)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook Beef & Onion
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, water (or beef broth), uncooked rice, frozen peas (if you’re using them), and all your seasonings. Mix everything together well until combined.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
For an even richer flavor in this hamburger rice casserole, I recommend using beef broth instead of water. It adds a lovely depth to the sauce that you’ll really enjoy.