Hamburger Casserole
This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish that combines ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with a cheesy layer of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. It's a family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 can 15-ounce tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5-ounce fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and the red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the onion and bell pepper are soft and the ground beef is browned. Drain any excess grease. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and cooked macaroni. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Spoon the beef mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole. Top with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
This Hamburger Casserole is a versatile dish. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.