Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Recipe
A comforting and cheesy hamburger casserole bake that combines ground beef, tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and elbow macaroni for a hearty family meal. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- Add Tomato Mixture: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Macaroni: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef and tomato mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set and to prevent burns.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free diet.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top halfway through baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, baked hamburger pasta, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy baked pasta