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Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole

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Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole is a classic comfort dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef and garlic. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir to combine evenly.
  7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the pasta-beef mixture into the dish.
  8. Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the layer.
  9. Add remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining cheese.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For extra creaminess, mix in 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a nutrition boost.
  • Use rotini, penne, or shells if you don’t have elbow macaroni.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/old-fashioned-hamburger-casserole-2/