Cheesy Macaroni Hamburger Casserole (Print Version)

Savory layers of beef, macaroni, and melty cheeses topped with golden cracker crumbs for cozy comfort food.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

→ Cheese Blend

04 - 8 ounces processed cheese (Velveeta), melted
05 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed 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

→ Seasonings

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

→ Crispy Topping

13 - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - Return drained macaroni to the pot. Stir in melted Velveeta cheese until evenly combined.
04 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Add sour cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, garlic powder, Parmesan, and milk to the beef mixture. Stir until thoroughly blended.
06 - Add prepared macaroni with cheese to the beef and cheese sauce mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
07 - Evenly spread the complete mixture in the prepared baking dish.
08 - Layer American cheese slices over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with crushed Ritz cracker crumbs.
09 - Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.
10 - Allow to rest for several minutes before portioning and serving.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.