Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake
The Ultimate Creamy, Beefy, Cheesy Pasta Bake That Screams Comfort Food!
Looking for a hearty, cozy, and ridiculously delicious dinner that feeds the whole family? This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Bake is your answer. It’s a warm, bubbling dish layered with ground beef, tender pasta, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a little homemade comfort on a plate.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 3 cups uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente (slightly undercooked). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft (about 4-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
4. Combine:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Mix until everything is well-coated and creamy.
5. Layer and Top:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar if using) evenly on top.
6. Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
Tips:
- Use pasta that holds sauce well like rigatoni, penne, or ziti.
- Want to make it spicy? Add 1 tsp of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 325°F until hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-dish wonder: fewer dishes to wash!
- Kid-approved, family-friendly
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep
- Simple pantry ingredients, BIG flavor