This easy macaroni and ground beef casserole has tomato sauce and onion soup mix for a bold savory flavor. This recipe is from my grandma’s recipe box and is a great way to get dinner on the table for your family.

Plate piled with hamburger macaroni casserole with tomato sauce and cheese.

I’m back with another recipe from my grandma’s recipe box. This one is from a yellowed newspaper clipping.

The first recipe is this one, except it was named onion beef macaroni casserole. That seemed like a mouthful, not that macaroni ground beef casserole is much better!

It also included a recipe for pistachio salad. So, that will give you an idea of the time period this tasty meal came from.

Newspaper clipping with onion beef macaroni casserole recipe and pistachio salad recipe on it.

Cast iron pan with baked onion beef macaroni casserole in it with browned and melted cheese on top.

In some ways, this casserole is like a baked American goulash. Except the packet of onion soup mix gives it a unique flavor that makes it something all its own.

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As written, the recipe is heavy on ground beef with just enough macaroni to make it a meal. You could easily adjust the ratios a bit if you need to stretch your grocery budget.

Either way, this vintage recipe is tasty and pretty economical. Plus it is easy to make, which is always a win!

Scooping a big helping of hamburger macaroni casserole out of the pan.

Plate of hamburger macaroni casserole with remaining casserole in pan in the background.

You could also add some veggies if you want. Just sweat down some diced green peppers, onion and/or celery with the ground beef.

We served ours with some creamy parmesan zucchini. You could serve the casserole with a green salad or any veggie side dish and dinner is done.

5 from 4 ratings

Grandma’s Hamburger Macaroni Casserole

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

This easy macaroni and ground beef casserole has tomato sauce and onion soup mix for a bold savory flavor. This recipe is from my grandma's recipe box and is a great way to get dinner on the table for your family.

Prep: 5

Cook: 30

Total: 35

Equipment

Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400℉.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a large pinch of salt and the 1 cup macaroni noodles. Cook to al dente according to the package directions.
While you are preparing the pasta, brown the 1½ pounds lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the 1 envelope onion soup mix and 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour. Cook for a minute or two.
Add 8 ounce can tomato sauce and 2 cups water. Let it start to bubble, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in the drained pasta. Transfer to a greased casserole dish if desired, or leave it in the skillet if it is oven safe.
Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese then bake for 20 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and the cheese melted.
Allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve.