Heavenly Hamburger Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic with a twist in this **Heavenly Hamburger Casserole**, a perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. This layered casserole combines tender pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich and creamy blend of sour cream and cream cheese, all topped with a gooey duo of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. With a hearty tomato-based meat sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian spices, every bite is packed with bold, comforting flavors. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and ready to bake to bubbly perfection, this casserole is an easy yet impressive dish that serves up to six. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness, and enjoy comfort food at its finest! Perfect for those searching for “easy casserole recipes,” “family-friendly dinner ideas,” or “pasta bake recipes.”

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 cups pasta (such as rotini, penne, or macaroni)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Step 7

Layer the casserole: Spread half the cooked pasta in the prepared casserole dish. Top with half the sour cream mixture, followed by half the meat sauce. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sour cream mixture, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 9

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2647.3 grams (2647.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4117

Total Fat 258.10g	331%
Saturated Fat 139.40g	697%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 824mg	275%
Sodium 5618mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 264.50g	96%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 52.60g
Protein 206.50g	413%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2666mg	205%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 2730mg	58%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 19.6%

Carbs: 25.1%