simple hamburger casserole recipe

simple hamburger casserole recipe

The Best simple hamburger casserole recipe

I’ve been making this simple hamburger casserole recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it because it’s easy to eat and packed with flavor. I love it because it’s a one-pot meal that’s quick to prepare and can be made in under an hour.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a family gathering. It’s also a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet, as you can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables. The original recipe I found was from a classic American cookbook, but I’ve tweaked it to suit my family’s tastes over the years.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can make it in a skillet, a Dutch oven, or even in a slow cooker. The key to making this dish work is using high-quality ingredients, especially the ground beef. I like to use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ground beef for the best flavor and texture.

Another important aspect of this recipe is cooking the vegetables separately before adding them to the casserole. This helps bring out their natural flavors and prevents them from becoming mushy when cooked with the beef. Once you’ve browned the beef and cooked your vegetables, you can assemble the casserole by layering them in a baking dish with some shredded cheese on top.

Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you have yourself a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Simple Hamburger Casserole

Simple Hamburger Casserole

4.9 from 1733 votes

A hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Ground beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce are baked together for a delicious meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked elbow macaroni

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain excess fat.
4Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet.
5Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
6Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
7Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a casserole dish.
9Stir in cooked macaroni and spread evenly.
10Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
11In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
12Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
15This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing spoon
Casserole dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a layer of sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Simple Hamburger Casserole Works

This simple hamburger casserole recipe is a great option for any occasion. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. It can be served as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a potluck or family gathering.

This recipe is always a hit with my family and friends. I love how it brings people together and creates lasting memories. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick and easy dinner. It’s also a great meal to pack for lunches or picnics.

The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of cheese you like, but cheddar or mozzarella work well because they melt nicely and add flavor to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, but be sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

A: To avoid dryness, make sure not to overcook the beef and vegetables before assembling the casserole. Also, don’t overbake the final product – check on it frequently while it’s in the oven.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or pork for ground beef?

A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork if you prefer – just adjust cooking times accordingly based on their lean-to-fat ratio.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like cooked pasta or rice?

A: While cooked pasta or rice won’t hurt the dish, they’ll alter its consistency and texture. If you want to add something extra, consider using frozen vegetables instead – they’ll retain their texture when cooked with the beef.

Q: How do I store leftovers safely?

A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months – always reheat until hot before serving.

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