Hamburger casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make a delicious hamburger casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Casserole Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just shy of being al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
This hamburger casserole is a satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. It’s versatile, so feel free to add your favorite seasonings or additional veggies to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic casserole!
