There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a hearty hamburger casserole. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, combining the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. I love how this dish brings together simple ingredients into a comforting, one-pan meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The blend of the tender pasta, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that makes everyone feel at home. Trust me, once you dive into this cheesy goodness, you won’t want to go back to any ordinary casserole!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Prepare Hamburger Casserole Recipes
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection. You don’t want to throw it in there when the oven isn’t hot enough – that’ll just lead to sad, undercooked pasta!
Brown the Ground Beef
Now, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef and let it brown nicely. You’ll want to break it up with a spatula as it cooks so it gets that lovely, rich color all over. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, be sure to drain the excess fat. This keeps your casserole from becoming greasy and helps all those delicious flavors shine through. Oops! Just be careful not to burn yourself while draining!
Sauté the Vegetables
Next up, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant – that usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the onion looks soft and slightly shiny. The aroma is simply irresistible at this point, and it’s going to make your casserole even more delicious!
Combine the Ingredients
Now, time to mix it all together! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (juices and all), uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s important to bring this mixture to a boil first; it helps the pasta start cooking before it goes into the oven. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta cooks perfectly in the oven and absorbs all those yummy flavors.
Transfer and Bake
Carefully transfer your bubbling mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks consistently. This dish is perfect for even cooking, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully on top. Speaking of cheese, sprinkle those 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top before popping it into the oven!
Cool and Serve
After your casserole has baked for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and bubbly, it’s time to take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this will help it set a bit and make it easier to cut. Serve it up warm, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs if you like! It’s the perfect comforting dish for any occasion!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your hamburger casserole, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by. First, always opt for high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat—around 80/20 is perfect. This ensures your meat stays juicy and flavorful throughout the baking process.
When it comes to the cheese, don’t skimp! I love using a mix of sharp cheddar for flavor and a little mozzarella for that gooey stretch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky depth.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing some bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion and garlic. This not only enhances the taste but adds a lovely texture. And if you want to sneak in some greens, throw in a handful of spinach just before transferring to the baking dish—no one will even notice!
Lastly, make sure to taste as you go. Adjusting the seasoning is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can also add a delightful zing! Trust me, these little touches will take your casserole from good to absolutely glorious!
Variations on Hamburger Casserole Recipes
One of the best things about this hamburger casserole is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations that can make this dish even more exciting:
- Cheese Lovers: Switch up the cheese by using a blend of your favorites. Try pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or even feta for a tangy twist. You can also mix in some cream cheese for a creamy texture!
- Veggie Delight: Add in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini while sautéing the onions and garlic. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a wonderful flavor and texture.
- Southwestern Style: Spice things up by adding black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Top it off with some diced avocado and cilantro after baking for a fresh finish. Yum!
- Italian Twist: Incorporate Italian sausage along with the ground beef for a flavor boost. You can also sprinkle some Italian herbs like basil or oregano on top before baking for that classic Italian taste.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier casserole, mix in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with the other ingredients. It adds a lovely richness that’s irresistible!
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the elbow macaroni with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb take on this classic dish. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs!
Feel free to experiment with these ideas or come up with your own combinations. The sky’s the limit, and that’s what makes this hamburger casserole so fun and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect from this comforting hamburger casserole in terms of nutrition. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a good amount of protein to keep you feeling full. Enjoy this meal as a part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to pair it with some veggies on the side for extra nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, feel free to use any short pasta, like penne or fusilli. You can even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the pasta is cooked through. If you have a kitchen thermometer, it should read at least 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly, but it will still be tasty!
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even frozen peas. Just make sure to sauté firmer veggies like bell peppers or carrots along with the onion and garlic to soften them up a bit.
Is this casserole spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but if you want to give it a kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. Adjust the heat level to your liking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – perfect for busy weeknights!
- A comforting blend of flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
- One-pan dish, which means less clean-up for you!
- Versatile ingredients allow for endless customization to suit your taste.
- Hearty and filling, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.
- Enjoy it as leftovers – it’s even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly meal that gets everyone excited to eat!
Hamburger Casserole Recipes: 7 Steps to Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and comforting hamburger casserole that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onion is translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, uncooked macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with different types of cheese.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hamburger casserole recipes, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake
