Pin It A comforting, budget&friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Classic hamburger casserole has been a staple in my kitchen ever since my kids asked for a hearty, filling dinner after a busy day. It&s consistently a crowd pleaser, and I&ve made it for both weeknight meals and casual gatherings.
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
- Prepare baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add vegetables:
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to beef; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Simmer sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add cooked macaroni to skillet and mix well to coat with sauce.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It This recipe often brings everyone to the dinner table without complaints: the kids love the saucy pasta and gooey cheese, and adults appreciate how easy it is to clean up afterward.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (cheese). May contain soy (check tomato products and cheese labels). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, colander, mixing spoon.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 430 calories, 18 g total fat, 42 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein.
Pin It Enjoy this comforting classic for dinner tonight, and don&t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef for a lighter option.
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Elbow macaroni is traditional here, as it holds sauce well and bakes evenly, but small pasta shapes like penne can also work.
- → How can I make the casserole more flavorful?
Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell pepper before adding the sauce enhances depth, while Italian herbs and paprika add warmth and aroma.
- → Is there a way to add vegetables to this meal?
Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in before baking for extra color and nutrition without altering cooking time.
- → What cheese combination is recommended?
A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides a balanced blend of sharpness and meltiness for a rich topping.