Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines cheesy macaroni with savory ground beef and tangy pickles for a delightful flavor twist. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 8 oz. elbow macaroni
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 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
• 6 oz. shredded cheddar (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
• 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and transfer the pasta to a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in large chunks and let it brown undisturbed for about 4 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 4 more minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to the baking dish.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 cup of water, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir well and transfer this mixture to the baking dish.
4. Step 4: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar (3 oz.) until evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, and if using, scatter the toasted sesame seeds over the casserole.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Once baked, top with the chopped romaine lettuce before serving.
6. Step 6: Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance without baking. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it for 12 to 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the beef for a smoky, spicy kick.
• If you prefer a crunchier topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter instead of sesame seeds.
• Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or mix it with mozzarella for a gooey texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Adding fresh lettuce is best just before serving to keep it crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells will work well. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the pasta al dente.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure that Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are gluten-free. Check labels to be sure.

Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining al dente elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato-mayo mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh romaine lettuce. It’s an easy-to-make casserole ideal for family dinners, with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors baked to bubbly perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni
• Kosher salt (for boiling water)

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 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
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 cup water

Cheese & Toppings

• 6 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
• 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in large chunks and let it cook undisturbed until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Then break up the meat with a spatula and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 4 more minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to the baking dish over the pasta.
3. Prepare the sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 cup of water, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let the mixture combine and heat through. Pour this sauce over the beef and pasta in the baking dish.
4. Add cheese and mix: Stir in 3 oz. of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture until evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the remaining 3 oz. of cheddar cheese on top. Optionally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds over the cheese for added texture and flavor.
5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.
6. Serve with lettuce: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with freshly chopped romaine lettuce just before serving to add a crisp, refreshing contrast.
7. Make ahead option: You can assemble the casserole without baking up to 1 day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheese flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially since it will cook further during baking.
• To keep the lettuce crisp, chop it just before serving rather than mixing it into the casserole.
• Optionally, skip the sesame seeds if you prefer a nut-free topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hamburger casserole, beef casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy casserole