1-Getting started with this cheesy macaroni hamburger casserole: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and gathering your ingredients for smooth cooking. This family dinner beef macaroni casserole comes together in about 1 hour, offering a hearty mix that balances protein, carbs, and fat for a satisfying meal.

2-First Steps: Prep and Cook: Preheat your oven and measure out 1 pound of elbow macaroni, 1 pound of lean ground beef, and the other essentials. Cook the macaroni in salted water for about 6 minutes until just under al dente, then drain it. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 small diced onion, and 1 small diced green bell pepper for 6-8 minutes.

3-Building the Sauce and Assembly: Add 24 ounces of pasta sauce, 14.5 ounces of undrained diced tomatoes, and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet, along with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes, then mix with the pasta and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a 9×13-inch dish. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes, top with another cup of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella, and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly.