Hello, casserole lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare, you’re in the right place. This Easy Hamburger Casserole is packed with flavor and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Let’s get cooking and bring some delicious warmth to your table!
Introduction
This Easy Hamburger Casserole combines flavorful ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy topping for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Ideal for feeding a crowd or for a cozy meal at home, this casserole brings comfort food to your table in under an hour. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that can be adjusted with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste!
Ingredients
To prepare this classic Easy Hamburger Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Feel free to use low-fat cheese or whole wheat pasta if you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter. You can also add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to include extra veggies.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Casserole
Follow these steps to create your own Easy Hamburger Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. About halfway through the browning process, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the onion and pepper are soft and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bring out the flavors.
- Add Sauces and Pasta: Stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and cooked elbow macaroni. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Helpful Tips
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen peas to the beef mixture for more nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or add smoked paprika for a depth of flavor.
- Pasta Choice: You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other short pasta like rotini or penne if desired.
Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to perfect your Easy Hamburger Casserole:
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Since the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven, cook it just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier topping, so consider shredding your own.
- Equipment Tip: Use a large skillet to ensure the ground beef and veggies have enough room to cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Hamburger Casserole pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic on its own for a quick, satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an added touch of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of this Easy Hamburger Casserole:
- Provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling meal.
- Includes essential nutrients from the beef and vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 15%
This casserole provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for any meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish on medium heat.
Leftover casserole can also be used as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, or try adding some to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an additional 10 minutes to the bake time if needed.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option, or try a meatless ground substitute for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
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Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with rich flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy this delicious meal, and don’t hesitate to share your own unique twists. Happy cooking!