Easy Hamburger Casserole

This Easy Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make, and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry! It’s hearty, filling, and can easily be customized with your favorite seasonings and veggies.

Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the ground beef)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Cook the beef and onions: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the beef into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Add garlic and seasonings: Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce

1. Combine with tomatoes: Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (drained) to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine with pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish (9×13-inch works well), combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture from the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
2. Add the cheese: Top the pasta and beef mixture with shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan if using), spreading it evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Add veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic.
• Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. You can also mix different meats for added flavor.
• Cheese options: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick would work great in this casserole.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole also freezes well. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 600mg
Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 15% of the DV

Conclusion:

This Easy Hamburger Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a few ingredients, it comes together quickly and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses for a twist! Enjoy!