Elbow Casserole
Creamy and cheesy elbow casserole combines tender pasta, savory hamburger, and golden bread crumbs for a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until tender and drain.
- Place the cooked macaroni in a buttered casserole dish.
- Melt butter in a double boiler.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper to the melted butter and blend well.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Fry the hamburger until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Combine the cooked hamburger with the drained macaroni.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the sauce over the macaroni and hamburger mixture.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or shells. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the hamburger while cooking. Using a mix of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and Cheddar, can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This elbow casserole is a hearty main dish, perfect on its own or paired with a fresh salad like Roasted Vidalia Onion, Cherry Tomato And Bacon Salad. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It also pairs beautifully with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elbow Casserole contains roughly 574 calories, with 25g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to hamburger and works well in this casserole. Just be sure to season it well to enhance the flavor since turkey can be milder.
Is it possible to freeze elbow casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).