- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the beef and tomato sauce mixture to the cooked macaroni. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Layer in Casserole Dish: Spread half of the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This Hamburger Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance out the meal. For a heartier feast, consider adding garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
- Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole according to your preferences, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping. A mixture of cheddar and mozzarella provides a nice blend of flavor and meltiness, but you could also try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a smoked cheese for a different taste.
Enjoy your comforting and savory Hamburger Casserole, a dish sure to become a family favorite!