Description

This comforting Hamburger Casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy, hearty baked dish perfect for family dinners that satisfies with its cheesy, saucy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

Sauce and Seasonings

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

Cheeses

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to cool slightly.
Brown ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula until it is fully browned. Drain excess fat if there is any.
Sauté vegetables: To the browned beef in the skillet, add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper if using. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Prepare sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and evenly combined.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the pasta, beef, and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

Notes

You can omit the bell pepper if you prefer a simpler flavor or want to reduce the vegetable content.
Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and make this casserole lighter.
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with another mild cheese like Monterey Jack or use all cheddar if preferred.
This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: hamburger casserole, baked casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, macaroni casserole, cheesy casserole