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Mema’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole (Goulash)

The aroma alone instantly transports me back to Mema’s cozy kitchen. I can almost see her now, flour dusting her apron as she hums along to the radio. This Hamburger Macaroni Casserole, what some might call goulash, was a constant in my childhood, a comforting hug in food form. The anticipation as the bubbly cheese browned in the oven was almost unbearable, knowing the warm, savory goodness that awaited. It was more than just a meal; it was love on a plate.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 ounces elbow macaroni

Equipment Needed

Large Dutch oven
9 x 9 inch casserole dish
Colander

Instructions

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion to the Dutch oven with the cooked ground beef. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
Pour the entire jar of spaghetti sauce into the Dutch oven with the beef and onions. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Now it’s time to season the sauce. Add the garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Reduce the heat to very low. Cover the Dutch oven and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and harmonious sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Cooking the pasta al dente will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a 9 x 9 inch casserole dish, create the first layer by spreading half of the cooked elbow macaroni evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Next, spoon half of the meat sauce over the layer of macaroni, spreading it evenly to cover the noodles.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer.
Repeat the layers: Add the remaining elbow macaroni, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the top. This cheese layer will melt and become golden brown and bubbly in the oven, adding a delicious crust to the casserole.
Bake in the preheated 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and enjoy Mema’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
To save time, the meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can stir in a cup of sour cream or ricotta cheese into the sauce before layering.
Don’t overcook the macaroni. Al dente is key for avoiding a mushy casserole.
Make sure to drain the ground beef really well. Extra grease will make the casserole oily.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Mema’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree F oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	456 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	162 g	36%
Total Fat	18 g	27%
Saturated Fat	8.5 g	42%
Cholesterol	80.1 mg	26%
Sodium	943.7 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	41.7 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	11%
Sugars	8.3 g	N/A
Protein	30 g	59%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat crumbles.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce along with the onions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to cook them al dente.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: What if my cheese is browning too quickly?
A: If the cheese starts to brown too much before the casserole is heated through, simply tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. For best results, freeze it unbaked. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Mema’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole is a testament to the power of simple, comforting food. It’s a dish that brings people together, evokes warm memories, and satisfies the soul. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with it. Feel free to adapt it to your liking, experiment with different variations, and share your creations with your loved ones. And most importantly, don’t forget to savor every bite! Let me know what you think in the comments below. What are your favorite additions or variations?

Mema’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole (Goulash) Recipe