I remember my mom making Hamburger Casserole on busy weeknights, and it's become one of my go-to recipes now that I'm balancing a bustling career and home life. It’s a classic comfort food that brings back warm memories, and it's perfect when you need to get dinner on the table fast. With ground beef, elbow macaroni, and just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s hearty, delicious, and so easy to throw together. Plus, it makes great leftovers!

This Hamburger Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. If you have a bit more time, garlic roasted green beans or a side of steamed broccoli are also great choices to add some extra veggies to your meal. And don't forget a nice glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down!

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

4. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, diced tomatoes with their juice, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.

8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

If you're looking to switch things up, try adding a can of corn or some sliced mushrooms to the mixture for extra veggies. You could also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. For a bit of a kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a can of cream of mushroom soup to the mix before baking.

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