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Hamburger Casserole Recipe

easy Hamburger Casserole

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  • 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.