Hamburger casserole is a baked comfort dish that combines ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese into a satisfying meal. It’s often seen as the homey cousin of lasagna or baked ziti, but without the fuss of layering noodles. With minimal prep and a few pantry staples, you can have a filling, family-friendly dinner ready in under an hour.
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Cook the pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown the beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
Add aromatics – Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Mix in tomato base – Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine pasta and sauce – Stir cooked pasta into the beef mixture until evenly coated.
Add creaminess – Fold in sour cream for a rich and smooth texture.
Assemble the casserole – Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheeses.
Bake until bubbly – Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
Serve hot – Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Find it online: https://gordonramsayeats.com/hamburger-casserole/