Go Back

Hamburger Casserole

A comforting baked dish that combines the flavors of a classic hamburger, featuring melty cheese, savory beef, and pasta for a satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni Cook until very al dente.
  • 1 lb. ground beef Use lean ground beef if desired.
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes Include liquid.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, divided About 1 1/2 cups total.
  • 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional) For added flavor and texture.
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and transfer to a 13x9 inch baking dish.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef in large chunks. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to achieve browning. Break up the meat and cook until no pink remains, about 4 more minutes. Add to the baking dish with pasta.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic, stirring for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and 1 cup of water. Season with black pepper and salt, then stir to combine.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish with pasta and beef. Stir in 3 oz. of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and optional sesame seeds.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Remove from oven and top with chopped romaine lettuce before serving.
Make Ahead
  1. If making ahead, assemble the casserole without baking. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for 12-15 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheese types to personalize this recipe. Always taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasonings.