Healthier Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

Healthy Cheeseburger Casserole. Similar to Homemade Hamburger Helper – Creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, finely chopped veggies, and cheddar cheese. Made in one pot in 30 minutes!

I figured we could all use some comfort food on this wintry Monday. Most of the country (or at least everyone I follow on Instagram) was blanketed with snow this past weekend. Although there was no snow to be found here in the desert, we still enjoyed a chilly, cozy weekend at home.

When it comes to meal planning in January we have to walk that fine line between healthy (resolutions, holiday detox, etc.) and the need for hearty comfort food. I love taking recipes that are traditionally heavy and overly-processed and turning them into something that I am proud to feed my family.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This Healthy Cheeseburger Casserole is like the healthier, more flavorful cousin of Hamburger Helper.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and super satisfying. It’s filled with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and nearly 3 cups of finely chopped vegetables. Picky eaters in your family? Cut those veggies really small and they will melt into the casserole and be virtually undetectable. A sweet and tangy tomato sauce coats everything and grated cheddar adds gooey cheesiness to every single bite!

Easy Healthy Cheeseburger Casserole

This meal is made in one pot in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for any night of the week. If your weeknights are busy, prep your veggies and grate your cheese in advance and this will come together even faster.

Let’s talk garnishes real quick. This dish is absolutely delicious with no garnishes; they are not necessary, but, if you’d like you can garnish with sliced green onions and parsley. Or, if you really want to drive that cheeseburger flavor home you can try chopped pickles sprinkled on top. Enjoy!

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Healthy Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger macaroni casserole with a healthy twist. A creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, finely chopped veggies, and cheddar cheese. Healthier comfort food made in one pot in 30 minutes!

Course Main dish

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 509 kcal

Author Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 cup finely diced carrot
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low sodium beef broth plus more, if needed
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is mostly cooked through. Add onion, carrot, celery, bell pepper, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables have softened, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems dry you can add a drizzle of olive oil. 

2. Add beef broth, ketchup, tomato sauce and pasta. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked through (about 10 minutes). As the mixture is cooking it will thicken. Add water as needed to keep it creamy. Once the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stir in 1 cup of cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and place a lid on the saucepan to melt the cheese (or pop it under the broiler to melt it). Serve immediately. If the sauce thickens, just stir in a little water to make it creamy again.

Recipe Notes

Reheating leftovers? Stir in a splash of water to make the pasta creamy.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Cheeseburger Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 509

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.