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Baked Hamburger Mac and Cheese Casserole

A decadent, deep-dish pasta bake featuring layers of creamy macaroni and cheese and savory seasoned ground beef, topped with a golden bubbly crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
Beef Filling
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
Cheese Sauce & Topping
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 Deep Baking Dish
  • Large Pot (for pasta)
  • Large Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
  3. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions. Add garlic, spices, Worcestershire, and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant. Drain fat.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook 1-2 mins. Gradually whisk in warm milk and simmer until thickened.
  5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 3 cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella until melted. Toss pasta in the sauce.
  6. Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Top with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  7. Top with remaining pasta. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
  8. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbling. Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the top. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Resting the casserole for at least 10 minutes is essential to get clean slices as shown in the photo. Serve with a side salad to cut the richness.