Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our delicious recipe for Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole. Combining the classic flavors of savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender elbow macaroni, this hearty casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish to share at potlucks and gatherings, this Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot. Join us as we explore the simple steps to creating this comforting masterpiece and discover why it’s the ultimate comfort food classic.
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 2 lbs Ground beef
Produce:
- 1 tsp minced Garlic
Canned Goods:
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 (5 ounce) can Evaporated milk
Pasta & Grains:
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Onion seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Dairy:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups + handful of shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and evaporated milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the black pepper, onion seasoning, and salt to season the cheese sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, browned ground beef with garlic, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat the macaroni and beef evenly.
- Add Cheese: Fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Bread Crumb Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs over the top of the casserole before baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives: Substitute traditional elbow macaroni with low-carb options such as zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content.
- Cheese Sauce Modifications: Use a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese instead of evaporated milk for a keto-friendly cheese sauce. Additionally, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or xanthan gum as a thickening agent.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Swap sweet potatoes or cauliflower for the elbow macaroni to create a low-carb alternative packed with fiber and nutrients.
In conclusion, Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the timeless combination of ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. With its rich flavors and hearty textures, this casserole is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to potluck gatherings with friends. By following our simple recipe and incorporating your own creative variations, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I prepare Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply allow the casserole to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Hamburger Mac And Cheese Casserole? A: Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to create your own unique flavor profile. Adjust the amount of cheese based on your personal preferences.
Q: Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this casserole? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach as a flavorful alternative. You can also add meatless crumbles or tofu for added protein.
