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Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful blend of tangy and creamy sauces. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh romaine lettuce, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni
  • Kosher salt, for boiling water

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1/2 c. mayonnaise
  • 1/4 c. chopped dill pickles
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning pasta water

Cheese and Toppings

  • 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
  • 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat andcook pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until very al dente, which is about 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the ground beef in large chunks into the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until a deep brown crust develops on the bottom. Break up the beef with a spatula and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, approximately another 4 minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to the baking dish over the pasta.
  3. Sauté aromatics and mix sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Once combined, pour this mixture over the ground beef in the baking dish.
  4. Combine cheese and assemble: Add 3 oz. of shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole mixture and stir gently to distribute the cheese throughout. Top the casserole evenly with the remaining 3 oz. of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top if you are using them.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, sprinkle the chopped romaine lettuce over the top just before serving.
  6. Make ahead option: You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance without baking it. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • The elbow macaroni should be cooked very al dente to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Using mayonnaise in the sauce adds creaminess and tang to balance the savory flavors.
  • Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp or mild cheese depending on your preference.
  • The toasted sesame seeds are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
  • This casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days after baking.

Keywords: hamburger casserole, beef casserole, baked macaroni, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/hamburger-casserole-recipe/