Hamburger Casserole

Hey there, comfort food lovers! I’m bringing you the ultimate Hamburger Casserole—a warm, cheesy, beefy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Think of it as a mash-up of your favorite hamburger flavors and a baked pasta casserole, all in one delicious bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this dish is here to deliver.

Let’s get cooking!

Hamburger Casserole

Recipe by Delano Slocombe

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

This Hamburger Casserole is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. This recipe serves 6 and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or rotini)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 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 and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
• Add Flavor: Stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Combine Everything: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Nutritional Information (per serving)
  Calories: 420
  Protein: 28g
  Carbohydrates: 40g
  Fiber: 4g
  Fat: 18g
  Sugar: 6g
• 
  Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Variations

• Mexican-Style: Add 1 tsp of taco seasoning and mix in black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or ricotta before baking for extra creaminess.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also tastes great reheated for lunch the next day!

Final Thoughts

Hamburger Casserole is one of those classic, cozy dishes that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just meal prepping for the week, it’s a foolproof way to bring comfort food to the table. Give it a try and share your delicious results with us at Recipe Wonderland!