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Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

This Hamburger Casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a tangy sauce loaded with pickles, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crisp romaine lettuce, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering familiar cheeseburger flavors in a baked, hearty casserole form.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 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 cheese (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
  • 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni, stirring occasionally, until very al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef in large chunks and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing a deep brown crust to develop on the bottom. Then break up the beef with a spatula and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until there is no pink remaining, about 4 more minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to the baking dish with the pasta.
  3. Sauté aromatics and combine sauce ingredients: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, 1 cup water, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Once combined, transfer this mixture to the baking dish over the beef and pasta.
  4. Add cheese and mix: Stir 3 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture for even distribution. Then sprinkle the remaining 3 ounces of cheddar evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to mimic a burger bun topping.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Add fresh lettuce topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top with chopped romaine lettuce to add a fresh, crisp contrast.
  7. Make ahead option: You can prepare the entire casserole (assembly only, no baking) up to one day in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • Cooking macaroni al dente prevents overcooking during baking, ensuring pasta maintains a pleasant texture.
  • Using toasted sesame seeds is optional, but they add a fun nod to hamburger buns.
  • The chopped romaine lettuce topping should be added just before serving to preserve its crispness and freshness.
  • This casserole can be a great make-ahead meal, simply assemble, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
  • For a slightly lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.

Keywords: Hamburger casserole, cheeseburger casserole, easy casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food, baked pasta dish

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/hamburger-casserole-recipe/