Moms Hamburger Casserole

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 4

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).

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7

Slowly whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 9

Combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef mixture, and the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 10

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 12

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on the top.

Step 13

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1966.9 grams (1966.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3426

Total Fat 201.50g	258%
Saturated Fat 100.50g	503%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.50g
Cholesterol 660mg	220%
Sodium 5210mg	227%
Total Carbohydrate 234.50g	85%
Dietary Fiber 20.40g	73%
Total Sugars 39.90g
Protein 179.10g	358%

Vitamin D 112IU	559%
Calcium 2197mg	169%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 3033mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 27.0%