Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole (Print Version)

Classic macaroni, savory beef, melty cheeses, and a golden, crunchy topping bring home-style comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Cheese and Dairy

04 - 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
05 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
06 - 8 ounces sour cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 cup whole milk
09 - 8 slices American cheese

→ Seasoning

10 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until beef is fully browned and onions become translucent. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well and return to the pot.
03 - Immediately add cubed Velveeta to hot macaroni. Stir until cheese is completely melted and every noodle is well coated.
04 - In a large bowl or the skillet with beef, mix cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and milk. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Fold the cooked beef and onion mixture into the cheesy macaroni in the pot. Add the prepared sauce and toss gently until evenly combined.
06 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the macaroni mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
07 - Lay American cheese slices evenly over the top. Sprinkle crushed Ritz cracker crumbs across the entire surface for a crispy topping.
08 - Bake the casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the cracker topping turns golden brown. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Do not overcook macaroni; it should be slightly firm as it will finish cooking in the oven.
02 - For extra crunch and flavor, toast cracker crumbs briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling on the casserole.
03 - Letting the casserole rest after baking improves sliceability and serving presentation.

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