Ultimate Three Cheese Hamburger Casserole
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Ultimate Three Cheese Hamburger Casserole. Crafted with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of three irresistible cheeses, this homemade version of classic Hamburger Helper is not only comforting but also customizable for any family dinner or meal prep. This dish comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights, and guarantees leftovers that taste even better the next day. Serve it as a hearty main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (leaner the better)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
jalapeno pepper
1 (minced)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Mexican chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
elbow macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
beef broth
1/2 cup
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
spinach
2 handfuls (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water, following the instructions on the box but halting 2 minutes before the recommended time. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2
In a separate large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Combine the macaroni mixture and the beef mixture in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as necessary, looking for a balance of flavors.
4
Fold in the parmesan cheese until evenly distributed. Add the chopped spinach and stir until incorporated. This recipe yields enough for two meals, so you can set aside one portion for freezing or prepare it all for a single meal. If preparing for one meal, consider increasing the amount of cheese for a cheesier topping.
5
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased or nonstick casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. After baking, add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top, and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, around 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
6
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious casserole, which can feed a family of four for two meals or six for one.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Three Cheese Hamburger Casserole?
It is a rich and creamy homemade version of classic Hamburger Helper made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and three types of cheese.
What kind of meat is used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for one pound of lean ground beef.
Which three cheeses are used in this dish?
The three cheeses included are Parmesan, shredded Cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water, stopping 2 minutes before the package instructions recommend to keep it firm.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains one minced jalapeno and a half teaspoon of Mexican chili powder, which adds a mild kick that can be adjusted to taste.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The casserole includes onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the fat and protein counts?
Each serving has 18.75g of fat and 13g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this casserole?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is designed to be meal prep friendly and the leftovers are said to taste even better the next day.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It should be baked for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a few minutes of broiling.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, the recipe yields enough for two meals, and one portion can be set aside for freezing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It can feed a family of four for two meals or six people for a single large meal.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
A fresh salad is a great pairing for this hearty main dish.
How do I make the cheese topping bubbly?
After the initial baking, add the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and place the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.
When do I add the spinach?
The chopped spinach is folded into the beef and macaroni mixture just before transferring it to the casserole dish.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, once the beef is browned, you should drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of beef broth.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
One 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes is used in this recipe.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be chopped and the garlic should be minced before being sauteed with the beef.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the elbow macaroni and then stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Can I customize the cheese amounts?
Yes, the recipe suggests increasing the amount of cheese for a cheesier topping if preparing the dish for a single meal.
Is this a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, the dish comes together quickly and is described as perfect for busy weeknights.
Should the spinach be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for two handfuls of fresh, chopped spinach.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is folded into the combined macaroni and beef mixture before baking.
What seasoning is used for the beef?
The beef is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste during the browning process.
Can I leave out the jalapeno?
Yes, the recipe is customizable and ingredients can be adjusted based on your family's preferences.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the casserole while it is under the broiler, as the melting process only takes 2-5 minutes.