Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Recipe for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole - Just as easy to make as Hamburger Helper and you can control the ingredients. Great weekday meal and the kids love it!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 small carrot * , chopped (optional)
• 1 celery stalk * , chopped (optional)
• 500 g/ 1 lb ground beef (mince) , preferably lean
• 12 oz / 340g dried macaroni , uncooked
• 1/2 cup frozen corn * , optional
• 2 cups chicken broth/stock, low sodium
• 1 tbsp hot sauce or Sriracha sauce , adjust to taste
• 1 tsp American chili powder (Note 1)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder , or sub onion powder
• 800 g / 28 oz crushed tomato
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1.5 - 2 cups (150 - 200g) cheddar or tasty cheese, shredded (Note 3)
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese , for topping

GARNISH (OPTIONAL)

• 1 green onion , sliced

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook 1 minute. 
3. Add celery and carrot, cook 3 minutes until soft.
4. Increase heat to high and add beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink - 3 minutes.
5. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT cheese. Stir to combine, add macaroni, then turn down to medium or medium low so it's simmering gently.
6. Cover, cook 8 minutes. Pasta should be just about cooked, and still nice and saucy.
7. Add cheddar cheese, stir. Top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with lid, cook for a further 2 minutes. 
9. Remove from stove. The pasta should now be cooked - tender but firm, not mushy, slick with sauce, not dried out.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if using.

SAVE PIN