Hamburger Casserole

While my nieces and nephew were up at our house for two weeks visiting (ages ranging from 3 years old to 6), I wanted to make a few recipes that fed multiple people while still being kid friendly. This recipes is perfect because most kids love noodles and hamburger, and it is covered in a melted cheesy top layer!

Ingredients:

1 3/4 lb. ground beef (lean)
1 large onion, diced small
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 tsp. garlic salt
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp. paprika
28 oz. can pureed tomatoes
16 oz. box macaroni noodles
1 c. shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. shredded cheddar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil on medium heat and add in the ground beef. Using two forks (or spatula), stir the meat until half of it is browned. Add in the chopped onion and cook with the meat, stirring occasionally so that the onions and meat continue to cook evenly. Add the seasonings and stir together. Add the tomatoes to the pan and continue to cook for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions, drain and set aside.

Pour the meat and tomato mixture in with the noodles. Taste the mixture and add in more garlic salt if necessary.

Pour the noodle mixture into a 13x9 baking dish (I also had to use an 8x8 because this recipes makes a lot!). Use the spatula to smooth out the top, and then sprinkle both cheeses evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.