Dinner

Hamburger Casserole Comfort Recipe

ByJake Silas January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

This Hamburger Casserole Comfort dish is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

The dish is a layered pasta bake served on a white plate placed on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer consists of spiral pasta coated in a reddish tomato sauce mixed with small chunks of ground beef, adding a brown and slightly textured appearance. Above this is a layer of more ground beef mixed with tomato pieces, visible in brown and red patches. The top layer is a generous amount of melted cheese, combining white and yellow colors that spread smoothly over the pasta and meat. The cheese has a slightly gooey texture that softly covers the dish, creating a warm and hearty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 5: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Omit the bell pepper if you prefer a milder flavor, or add mushrooms for more depth.
Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheese blend.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the pasta tender.

How to Serve

This dish has two main layers visible on a white square plate: the bottom layer is curly pasta mixed with chunky tomato pieces and some light red sauce, showing a soft and slightly saucy texture; on top of this is a thick, ground meat layer with a brown, crumbly appearance mixed with bits of tomato; the topmost layer is melted cheese that is creamy white with spots of golden yellow, spread unevenly over the meat and pasta, giving a rich and gooey look. The whole dish looks warm and hearty, sitting against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta alternative. Ensure other ingredients like tomato sauce and spices are gluten-free as well.