Hamburger Casserole Bake

A comforting, budget-friendly casserole featuring tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.

This hamburger casserole quickly became a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. The blend of beef, pasta, and melty cheese always makes everyone eagerly gather at the table.

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

Prepare Oven and Dish:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Cook Pasta:

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown 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.

Make Sauce:

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Add Pasta:

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well to coat with the sauce.

Assemble and Bake:

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.

Rest and Serve:

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Save

My kids always ask for seconds and love helping sprinkle the cheese before bake time–it's become a fun family ritual!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations

Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Add frozen peas or corn for more vegetables, or sprinkle fresh parsley on top for brightness.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Save

Enjoy this hearty casserole for cozy nights or anytime you want an easy crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Guide

→ Can I use a different pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, other short pasta types like penne or rotini work well and hold the sauce nicely.

→ How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain excess fat from the cooked beef and avoid adding extra liquid. Baking uncovered helps thicken the sauce.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef for a lighter version?

Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives that maintain flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

→ What are the best cheese options to top this bake?

Cheddar provides sharpness while mozzarella adds creaminess; a combination yields a rich, melty topping.