Sophie's Hamburger Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Sophie's Hamburger Casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This crowd-pleasing casserole combines tender ground beef, savory Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, and al dente elbow macaroni, all layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese for an irresistibly cheesy finish. Featuring simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and diced onion, this recipe comes together in just 50 minutes for a stress-free meal with minimal prep. Bake it to perfection and top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Easy, satisfying, and bursting with classic flavors, this hamburger casserole is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious, filling dish that’s guaranteed to please.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

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
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 5

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

While the beef mixture is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop 1–2 minutes before it is fully cooked (as it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 7

Stir the partially cooked macaroni into the beef mixture until well combined. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the cheese is melted through.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy hamburger casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2119.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3411.2

Total Fat 195.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 97.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 643.6mg	0%
Sodium 4983.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 225.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 29.4g
Protein 198.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2690.0mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 3253.8mg	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: 51.0%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 26.1%