Save to Pinterest A comforting, budget-friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
This hamburger casserole recipe became a weeknight staple in my home the first time I tried it. It is always a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, making dinner simple yet satisfying.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- Meat: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Sauce: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed oregano and basil), 1/2 tsp paprika, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Grease:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish and Serve:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this classic casserole at family gatherings always brings smiles and satisfied appetites. It is the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hamburger casserole with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to make a lighter version. You may also add peas or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Info
Each serving has approximately 430 calories, 18 g of fat, 42 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is perfect for meal prep and reheats well for leftovers. Your whole family will be asking for seconds!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal due to its shape and size, which holds sauce well and bakes evenly.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Adding diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn before baking increases both color and nutrition without altering the core flavors.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, combine all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add extra baking time if starting from a chilled state.
- → What cheese types are recommended?
Sharp cheddar paired with mozzarella creates a rich, melty topping that complements the tomato and beef flavors beautifully.