Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Hamburger Casserole—a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines ground beef, pasta, cheese, and a savory sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights!
Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of tomato)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
2. Add Sauces and Seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream (if using). Mix well.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- While the beef mixture simmers, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
4. Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips:
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can swap the sour cream for a bit of heavy cream or milk if you prefer a lighter texture.
- For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking.
This Hamburger Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, and the leftovers are just as good!