Deluxe Hamburger Casserole

Warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this Deluxe Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that combines hearty pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey layers of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. With its perfect blend of Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, this baked casserole transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, restaurant-worthy dish. Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is excellent for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize it with your favorite pasta and optional fresh herb toppings like parsley or basil to make it your own. Serve up this satisfying baked casserole and watch it become a requested favorite in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 12 oz pasta of choice (e.g., egg noodles, rotini)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp optional toppings: chopped parsley or basil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but stop cooking 1-2 minutes before it is fully tender (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture in the skillet. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Transfer half of the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Layer 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (1 cup) and all of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and lightly brown.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2109.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3057.3

Total Fat 202.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 649.1mg	0%
Sodium 5832.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 28.4g
Protein 181.9g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2707.3mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2558.8mg	0%

*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: 58.6%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 17.9%