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Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake Recipe

4.9 from 5 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook Macaroni: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking later.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, baked hamburger pasta, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy baked pasta