Oh, boy! If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and delicious, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Hamburger Casserole. This dish brings me back to cozy evenings at home, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish! I love making this for my friends when they come over after a long week; it’s the perfect way to unwind and share hearty laughs together.
The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! With minimal fuss and ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can have this delicious casserole on the table in no time. Plus, it’s completely versatile—feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese for a unique twist! Are you excited? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Hamburger Casserole?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I like using lean ground beef to keep it from being too greasy. You can also substitute with turkey or a plant-based option if you prefer.
Onion: A chopped onion adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I often opt for yellow onions, but you could use red or even shallots if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic, right? Minced garlic gives this casserole a lovely aroma and taste that truly makes a difference.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni works so well, but any small pasta shape would do the trick—feel free to get creative!
Beef Broth: This adds moisture and a fabulous flavor base to the dish. I like to use low-sodium varieties so that I can control the saltiness.
Diced Tomatoes: These add a fresh, juicy element to the casserole. Canned ones are convenient, and if you have fresh ones, definitely use those!
Tomato Sauce: This provides a rich, tomatoey base that unites all the flavors. I use my favorite brand, but any will work just fine.
Cheese: Shredded cheese, like cheddar, is key to that irresistible cheesy topping that everyone loves. You can mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Seasonings: I like to keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, but feel free to jazz it up with your favorites! Oregano or basil can add a lovely touch.
Is Hamburger Casserole Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! This Hamburger Casserole can be a hearty meal that packs a wallop of nutrients.
Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your calories.
Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy, but you can swap it out for whole-grain or gluten-free options if that suits your fancy.
Diced Tomatoes: These are rich in vitamins C and K, plus they contain antioxidants, which are great for your health.
Overall, while this casserole is deliciously comforting, I’d recommend making sure to balance it with some veggies on the side. A simple green salad works perfectly!
Ingredients for Hamburger Casserole
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs)
– Serves about 4-6 people
How to Make Hamburger Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
3. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well until combined.
4. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions and then drain.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, mix it into the beef mixture in the skillet. Add the cheese and seasonings, stirring everything together until melted and combined.
6. Transfer this delicious mixture into a casserole dish. Don’t be shy, top it off with more cheese!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve warm and enjoy every hearty bite!
Hearty Tips and Variations
– Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the casserole for more nutrients and color!
– Swap out the cheese for a blend of your favorites, or experiment with adding a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.
– This casserole keeps well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat leftovers for a quick meal throughout the week!
I hope you give this Hamburger Casserole a shot! I promise it will be a hit at your dinner table, just like it always is at mine. Don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your cooking adventures! Enjoy!
