Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole is a delightful and easy dinner idea that combines ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese into a comforting dish. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. With its mix of hearty ingredients and healthy veggies, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This casserole takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring that picky eaters are happy.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use any short pasta shape available in your pantry.
• Comforting Flavor: The blend of ground beef and tomatoes creates a rich flavor profile that warms the heart and soul.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is baked in one dish—perfect for those nights when you want to relax!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Hamburger Casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to ensure smooth cooking.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from the cooked pasta efficiently.
• Large skillet: Provides ample space for sautéing vegetables and browning ground beef without splatter.
• Baking dish: The perfect vessel for creating a beautifully baked casserole that serves multiple people.

Ingredients

Hamburger Casserole is an easy dinner idea made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. This comforting casserole boasts a healthy dose of veggies, too! Serve it with a salad and garlic bread for a meal the whole family will love.

For the Pasta

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta shape)

For the Veggies

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 large carrots (chopped into ¼-inch pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can diced tomatoes

For Topping

• 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided)

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander, rinse it with cold water, drain well again, and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the chopped onion, carrots, and both bell peppers. Cook while stirring often until the carrots are tender—this should take about 8 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the veggies to the edges of the pan. Add in the ground beef and turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook while breaking apart the meat until browned. Drain off any excess grease before proceeding.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Add minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes & Cheese

Stir in both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes until well combined. Remove from heat and mix in about ⅓ of your shredded cheddar cheese followed by adding in your cooked pasta.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of this delicious combination.

Step 8: Bake

Place in your preheated oven uncovered for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly golden brown on top.

Enjoy this delicious Hamburger Casserole that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

How to Serve Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots drizzled with your favorite dressing.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a classic touch.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter for a crispy accompaniment.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls that are perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce from the casserole.

Serve with Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed to retain its crunch and nutrients, adding a healthy element.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until tender, providing a flavorful side.

How to Perfect Hamburger Casserole

To ensure your Hamburger Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Layer Cheese Generously: More cheese on top creates a gooey, golden crust that everyone loves.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to add more spices or herbs based on your personal preference.
• Allow It to Rest: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps it set up for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy salad made with cabbage and carrots that balances the richness of the casserole.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes topped with butter, sour cream, or chives make a comforting addition.
4. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices tossed in vinegar and herbs can lighten up the meal.
5. Mixed Vegetables: A colorful mix of steamed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans provides nutrition.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with spices offer a satisfying crunch alongside the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hamburger Casserole, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Incorrect Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooking or undercooking pasta can lead to a mushy or hard texture. Always follow package instructions for perfect pasta.
• Skipping the Veggies: Neglecting to add vegetables can make your casserole less nutritious and flavorful. Be sure to include a variety of veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
• Not Draining Excess Grease: Failing to drain grease from the ground beef can result in a greasy casserole. Always drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
• Ignoring Cheese Layering: Adding all the cheese at once may not give you the desired cheesy texture. Layer the cheese throughout for optimal melty goodness.
• Baking Time Misjudgment: Not baking long enough can leave cheese un-melted, while overbaking can dry out your casserole. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Hamburger Casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing Hamburger Casserole

• You can freeze Hamburger Casserole for up to 2-3 months.
• Make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Hamburger Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamburger Casserole?

Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.

How do I customize my Hamburger Casserole?

You can add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, change the pasta shape, or use different cheese varieties for unique flavors.

Is Hamburger Casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftover Hamburger Casserole for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor or texture.

What side dishes go well with Hamburger Casserole?

Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Hamburger Casserole is not only simple but also versatile, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or vegetables. Give this recipe a try; your family will love the comforting flavors!

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