A hearty and cheesy baked casserole with seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce—perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner!
Equipment
•Large skillet
•9×13-inch baking dish
•Mixing bowls
•Spoon or spatula
•Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Base:
•1 lb ground beef
•1 small onion, diced
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
•1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
•1 tsp Italian seasoning
•½ tsp salt
•½ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta Layer:
•3 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any pasta)
•1 tbsp butter
For the Cheesy Topping:
•1 cup sour cream
•1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
•1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
3️⃣ Prepare the Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp butter to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
•Spread half of the cooked pasta into the baking dish.
•Layer half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
•Spread half of the sour cream on top.
•Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheeses.
•Repeat the layers one more time.
5️⃣ Bake Until Bubbly
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Options
•Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
•Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes.
•Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Notes
•Swap elbow macaroni for rotini or penne for a fun twist.
•Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
•Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
•Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick!
This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, filling, and full of flavor. Enjoy! 🍽️🧀