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