Bring the comforting flavors of home to your dinner table with Mom’s Hamburger Casserole, a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Packed with tender ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this creamy casserole is layered with rich tomato sauce and a velvety cheese sauce for a dish that oozes nostalgia. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, this one-pan wonder is ready in just 50 minutes and serves up classic comfort in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers, or cozy gatherings, this recipe combines easy, pantry-friendly ingredients into a soul-warming meal the whole family will love.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef mixture, and the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on the top.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
3426 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.5 g | 258% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.5 g | 503% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 660 mg | 220% | |
| Sodium | 5210 mg | 227% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.5 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.9 g | ||
| Protein | 179.1 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 2197 mg | 169% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3033 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.