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A bubbling cheesy hamburger casserole in a baking dish, fresh from the oven

Classic Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This classic cheesy hamburger casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a family meal. It features ground beef, elbow macaroni, a creamy soup base, and a generous topping of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.75 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.75 ounce) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
Cheese Topping
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or additional cheddar)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  2. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until browned and softened.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Reduce heat to low and stir in mushroom soup, chicken soup, milk, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth.
  2. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, ensuring it is fully coated in the sauce.
  3. Transfer half of the beef and pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish; sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Top with remaining beef and pasta mixture, spreading evenly, then sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  5. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of sharp cheddar and a milder cheese. If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter in the last 10 minutes of baking.