Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole (Printer-Friendly)

Tender macaroni mixed with ground beef and cheese, baked with a crunchy golden crust.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 onion, chopped

→ Pasta

03 - 2 cups macaroni noodles, cooked al dente

→ Cheese and Dairy

04 - 8 oz Velveeta cheese, melted
05 - 1 can cheddar cheese soup
06 - 8 oz sour cream
07 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - ¼ cup milk
09 - 8 slices American cheese

→ Seasonings

10 - ½ tsp onion powder
11 - 1 tsp garlic powder
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

13 - 1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
02 - Boil macaroni noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot; stir in melted Velveeta cheese until fully combined.
03 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion until beef is cooked through and onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Stir sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and milk into the beef mixture until well blended. Add macaroni and mix thoroughly.
05 - Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
06 - Top the casserole with American cheese slices; sprinkle crushed Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the surface.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and topping is golden brown. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.