Save to Pinterest A comforting budget-friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni savory ground beef and a rich tomato sauce perfect for family dinners.
I first made this hamburger casserole after a long workday looking for something quick and filling. My kids couldn't stop asking for seconds and now it is a regular part of our meal rotation especially on colder evenings.
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 Preheat:
- 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 the 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 3–4 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 Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Assembly:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Every Sunday we gather around the table for this casserole remembering grandpa who loved classic American comfort food especially with crunchy bread on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the casserole with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a full meal or add fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a burst of freshness.
Make Ahead & Storage
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 430 calories 18 g fat 42 g carbohydrates and 26 g protein making it a well-balanced family dinner option.
Save to Pinterest This easy casserole is always met with smiles and brings everyone together at dinner time. Enjoy the simple homestyle flavors with your loved ones!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Elbow macaroni holds the sauce well and bakes evenly, but small pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also be used.
- → How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn can be stirred into the mixture before baking to boost nutrition and texture.
- → What type of cheese is recommended for topping?
Cheddar provides rich flavor and melts nicely, while adding mozzarella creates a gooey, bubbly top layer.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.