If you love cheeseburgers, saucy macaroni and meals made in ONE POT in just 30 minutes, you are going to love this American favourite! This Macaroni Cheeseburger Casserole is a Homemade Hamburger Helper – a tastier and much healthier version of the wildly popular American boxed pasta.
Loaded with flavour and cheesy sauce, this is guaranteed to be a hit with even the fussiest of eaters!
I burnt my mouth taste testing this straight out of the pot.
I took a small taste test to check for seasoning. Had a swoon moment, then scooped up a huge spoonful and shovelled it in my mouth.
And totally scorched the entire roof of my mouth. OUCH.
Here’s an up close and personal look at the offender. Look at it. Can you blame me for my lack of self control??
It’s insanely delicious. So, so good. I mean, it’s cheesy. Beefy. Saucy. You know that’s a winning combination. Right?
But wait, there’s MORE! It’s all made in one pot. Seriously. I’ve declared before and will continue to declare that I’m not a fan of long pastas like spaghetti cooked in one pot. But macaroni and other short pastas are perfect for one pot cooking. Actually, the starch in the pasta thickens the sauce beautifully. 🙂
Brown the beef, throw the pasta and sauce in. Simmer away and let the magic happen. Cheeseburger Casserole, coming right up. Swoon…
You might think it strange that I, being an Aussie, am sharing a homemade version of an American boxed pasta favourite like Hamburger Helper. A macaroni cheeseburger casserole is not something that Australians are familiar with. I had never made it before, but since discovering this I’ve made it 3 times. And the homeless man at the park that I regularly take hot meals to was beside himself with delight every time I showed up with yet another “Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese”, as he called it.
Nope, this is not one of my creations.
100% of the credit goes to my friend Jo from Jo Cooks. It’s one of many fabulous one pot recipes in her new cookbook, 30 Minute One Pot Meals. SCREECH! I know a real deal cookbook author!!!
When Jo told me she was doing a cookbook, I shrieked with excitement for her. There were many, many exclamation marks and capital letters in the messaging that went back and forth about her cookbook!!
I truly was so excited because I “get” Jo’s food and her cooking philosophy. I know it sounds odd to say that, but what I mean is that we have similar tastes. Big, bold flavours. We don’t share trendy food for the sake of it. And her recipes always work. I’ve tried stacks of Jo’s recipes from her food blog and every single one has been a hit. This Cheeseburger Casserole from her cookbook is no exception.
There’s nothing more disappointing than being enticed by a pretty photo for a recipe that tastes blah. To my very core, I truly only share recipes that I think are absolutely delicious, whether they are “pretty” or not. In fact, I’m very aware that I lean towards “ugly but yummy” brown / yellowy foods – like Irish Beef Stew and Salisbury Steak. Mmmmmm….my kind of food….
Jo’s kind of food too. Deliciousness first. Prettiness second. ??
That’s why we’re friends. And that’s why I can tell you with confidence that every single recipe in her 30 Minute One Pot Meals cookbook tastes incredible, is easy to follow and will work. (I’ve only tried 5 of them so far 🙂 ).
One pot.
30 minutes, start to finish.
Guaranteed deliciousness.
She’s nailed it.
– Nagi x
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped (brown, white, yellow)
- 1 small carrot, chopped (can skip)
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (can skip)
- 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef mince (preferably lean)
- 12 oz / 340g dried elbow macaroni pasta
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups chicken stock / broth
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha sauce, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp American chili powder (Note 1)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder, or sub with onion powder(Note 2)
- 800 g / 28 oz can crushed tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups grated cheddar or tasty cheese (Note 3)
- More cheese to top
- 1 scallion / shallot chopped
- 1 tomato chopped
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Heat oil in a dutch oven or deep skillet over medium high heat.
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Add onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5 minutes or until soft.
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Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink - 3 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, bring to simmer then turn down to medium so it simmers gently.
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Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed but it is still saucy. The pasta should be just about cooked.
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Stir through cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste (I didn't need any salt).
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If you wanted melted cheese on top (like pictured), scatter extra cheese over then either put the lid on for a couple of minutes and the residual heat will melt the cheese. Or pop it undertake grill.
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Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked - tender but firm, not mushy. And it should be slick with sauce, not dried out.
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Serve, garnished with shallots and tomatoes, if using.
1. American chili powder is a combination of spices, not just chilli. This can be substituted with cayenne pepper or paprika for less spiciness. It is not a critical spice for this recipe.
2. If you don't have garlic or onion powder, saute 2 minced garlic cloves with the onion.
3. You can substitute with other cheeses that melt but be sure to use a flavoured cheese, not a mild flavoured cheese like mozzarella. The cheese is required for flavouring in this recipe.
4. Nutrition per serving, assuming 5 servings.
Save this Macaroni Cheeseburger Casserole to your “One Pot” Pinterest Board!
And let’s be friends on Pinterest so you can see all the delicious recipes I’m pinning!
Cheeseburger Casserole nutrition per serving, assuming 5 servings.
LIFE OF DOZER
For once, Dozer looking at something other than the food.
OK. I lie. His eyes were flitting between Jo’s cookbook and that pot full of saucy Cheeseburger Casserole.
OK, I’m still lying. I only got him to look at Jo’s cookbook because I’m holding a treat just out of the frame! 😉 I knew she’d like the photo because she’s a dog person too – another reason we’re friends!
I love this site – the recipes are all so clearly written and just work.
Had this bookmarked for a while, it looked tasty but I’m surprised at how much flavour and how good it is for something so quick and easy.
No american chilli in the UK so used the suggested sub but with a bit of mexican chilli powder I had. Small tweak for next time, think I’ll up meat to 750g from 500g.
Its delicious though, all pizzery and cheesy and saucey – great recipe, great comfort food.
Yummy! I saw so many recipes that added milk and so desperately wanted to, BUT I’m glad I didn’t. This was delicious. My 2 year old didn’t even look up once as she was cleaning her plate and my ever so picky 6 year old said it was 2 thumbs up. Thank you!
That’s great Mel! So pleased to hear that! N x
Hi Nagi, I’m making this again tonight cuz it was so good the first time. I am loving so many of your recipes. Even if there’s something on the blog that I wouldn’t like, I have to scroll down to see Dozer no matter what!
Also your pictures are fantastic! I see that you have a book about food photography…any chance of a dog photography book in the future?! I wish I had some awesome pics like that of my dog! What a beautiful place you live.
Dog photography book! Gosh I never thought I that, I haven’t really focussed on taking “nice” photos of Dozer! Many of them are actually just iPhone photos!!
I seem to be vegetarian-ising all your recipes lately. Blame the vegetarian au pair I guess. I used a 400g tin of brown lentils instead of mince and it worked perfectly. Delicious and the kids had no idea!!
Woah, that’s such a great idea!!! I never would have imagined this would work with lentils! N xx
You’re welcome to the idea 😉
I made this for dinner tonight and we really enjoyed it. Thank you for the simple, quick and yummy dish!
I’m so pleased to hear that Cindy! Thank you for trying my recipe! N xx ❤️
Made this tonight and it was very good. Used Barilla whole grain pasta for the 1st time and couldnt tell the difference. Try it out its alot healthier. Used a 28oz can of carmelina whole san marzano tomatoes. This makes a big difference in flavor. You can get them on amazon. I skipped the cheese because im on a 1200 calorie diet, but added 1 wedge of laughing cow swiss (35 calories) to give it some creaminess. I also used 2lbs of ground chicken breast without doubling anything else because thats how i froze the meat. I added alot of chipolte chili pepper maybe about a tablespoon and couldnt find my oregano so i subbed basil about a tablesppon. Next time I would add some red pepper and some zucchini. Thanks for a great dinner!
It’s so great to hear you enjoyed this Eric! Thanks for leaving a review 🙂 N x
Perfect recipe, thank you dear.
I’m so happy to hear that Anastasia! Thanks for sharing your feedback – N x ❤️
Hi Nagi
I also have Jo’s 30 minute one pot meals book, I love both of your super quick recipes. I have a question about your your cheeseburger hamburger recipe. Your recipe is identical except Jo’s has said in directions to add 2 cups water and also 2 cups of chicken stock. Feeling unsure about adding the additional water. Please let me know what you think
Many thanks
Sue
Hi Sue! Unfortunately the publisher’s made a typo when converting the canned tomato between oz and g, so when I made this I used 800g which is 28 oz and 2 cups of broth, no water, and found it worked just fine 🙂 Extra water will make it a bit saucier and the pasta bit softer but it’s not a significant difference (surprisingly)! N xx
Hi I was wanting to make this for dinner tonight but I don’t have can crushed tomatoes. Could I use real tomatoes 🍅 and if so how would I get the tomatoes crushed!! Thank you
Hi Doreen! I whizz them up in a food processor or blender!
Thank you! Can I use can whole tomatoes or diced plum can tomatoes 🍅
Hi Doreen! You sure can 🙂 If you use whole, smush it up when you add it 🙂 N xx
This was a big hit with my family. Will definitely be making it again. So easy and delicious. Thank you Nag for all your amazing recipes
That’s fantastic to hear Dawn! Thank you for letting me know! N xx
This is so amazing! I made the entire thing and then realized I forgot to put the cheese through it…and it was already cooled down. I tasted it and it was so good as is! I think I’ll just put cheese on top when I reheat it. Thanks for another delish recipe!
I’m so pleased to hear you enjoyed it Michele, even without the cheese! Thank you very much for your message – N xx
THE BEST ONE POT MEAL !!! Fantastic when your late home from work and its cold and wet outside
mmm Thanks Nagi
That’s so fantastic to hear Dianne! Thanks for trying my recipe and letting me know you enjoyed it! N xx
Nagi, you have really come through for me today! I was just thinking about what to serve for dinner tonight. Wanted something comforting but not too complicated for a cold rainy day and this recipe totally fits the bill. And the best part is that I already have all the ingredients! Thanks Nagi!!
I know what you mean! This is fast becoming one of my go-tos because I seem to always have the ingredients!
THIS! So delicious and easy — win win! I’d intended to add a little sour cream to boost the creaminess but forgot, and it didn’t need it: perfect as is. The fresh tomatoes and green onions on top were not only pretty and healthy but added even more great flavor. Genius!
Thank you for posting this recipe, and I’m so glad to have found it. Bookmarking your site!
I’m so pleased to hear that Anya!! Thanks for letting me know! N xx
Wanted something to make with hamburger but I didn’t want spaghetti or burgers. This was perfect! Quick and easy and comforting on a dreary day.
I’m so pleased to hear that Sandra, thank you for letting me know! N xx
Hi Nagi! If I were to omit the pasta and use this on zucchini noodles, should I eliminate most of the broth? (Do you think the dish will work okay without the pasta? I know it will be a different beast entirely, but hoping to still be delicious!) Thank you so much for all of your work!
Hi Stephanie! I think it will be very different without the pasta but much healthier! Yes leave out the broth and you’ll need to add more salt (or better yet, use a chicken bouillon cube, crumbled 🙂 I think it will still be delicious! N xx
Hi Nagi. Can I use bolognese or basil tomato sauce? will it have major effect on the taste?
Thanks so much, Nagy, everyone LOVED it! I’ve made several of these types of casseroles over the years, but this is definitely the best I’ve eaten! I know what you mean about the burning mouth. I had a dental cleaning the day after I fixed it. My hygienist likes to play this game of trying to guess what patients have burned their mouth on. She guessed “Cheese” – yep, the whole roof of my mouth. I just couldn’t help it as it was so good!
Question for you: I am looking for a recipe for garlic green beans. I used to go to this little Chinese place (long closed) that made the best – they were tender but also kind of crispy, no doubt with some oil. I’ve tried to create them, but haven’t had any luck.
Help much appreciated and Thanks for all you do!
Fantastic to hear that Annie! Thanks for letting me know! I think this is what you are after -> http://omnivorescookbook.com/szechuan-dry-fried-green-beans/ This is one of my favourite blogs for proper Chinese recipes! N x
THIS IS SO GOOD!
I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical at first, (thinking “Really? Cheeseburger casserole?! Could be amazingly awesome or traumatisingly terrible…Not sure which”) but I had all the ingredients handy and thought why not?
I am pleased to say that my household is firmly in the amazingly awesome camp!
I am slightly embarrassed to admit I squirted mustard over my helping and stirred it in and I think it made it even better, if such a thing is possible 🙂 Can’t have a cheeseburger without mustard!
AWESOME!!! I’m so glad to hear that Chris, thanks for letting me know! N xx PS No shame re: mustard!!!!