Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Dish (Printable Version)

Savory macaroni combined with beef and rich cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat and Vegetables

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped

→ Pasta

03 - 2 cups dry elbow macaroni

→ Cheese and Dairy

04 - 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, melted
05 - 8 ounces sour cream
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - ¼ cup whole milk
08 - 8 slices American cheese

→ Condiments and Seasonings

09 - 1 can cheddar cheese soup
10 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

13 - 1 cup crushed Ritz cracker crumbs

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with chopped onions until beef is browned and onions are tender and translucent. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
03 - Stir the melted Velveeta cheese into the warm macaroni until the mixture is evenly coated and creamy.
04 - In the skillet or a separate bowl, blend sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and whole milk until smooth and uniform.
05 - Gently fold the cheesy macaroni and browned ground beef into the prepared sauce until fully combined.
06 - Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly to create a level surface.
07 - Layer American cheese slices evenly over the casserole, then sprinkle crushed Ritz cracker crumbs on top.
08 - Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to rest briefly before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For best texture, avoid overcooking the macaroni; it should be slightly firm to the bite before baking.