Hamburger casserole, a classic comfort food dish, combines the simplicity of ground beef with the heartiness of pasta, all baked together in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with cheese. This dish is beloved for its ease of preparation, making it a go-to option for busy families. Its versatility allows for endless variations, from adding vegetables to experimenting with different spices and cheeses, making it adaptable to individual tastes. Hamburger casserole’s popularity stems from its affordability, comforting nature, and ability to please both kids and adults alike. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals, this dish has earned its place as a timeless favorite on dinner tables everywhere.
Why make this casserole?
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and satisfying meal. Family-Friendly: With classic flavors and ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheese to suit your taste preferences. Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein option, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe budget-friendly. Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is warm, filling, and comforting, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a hearty meal. Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day, making it a practical and delicious choice.
Ingredients and substitutes
Beef – I like using lean ground beef for this recipe. Unlike hamburgers, the tomato sauce in this dish prevents it from drying out. Pasta – I am using penne, but any pasta or noodles would work for this dish. Tomatoes – I am using a combination of crushed canned tomatoes and tomato paste. But, you can also use 2 cups of prepared marinara sauce. In fact, if I have fresh tomato marinara on hand I love using that in this recipe. Herbs – Oregano, thyme, parsley make a wonderful combination in this recipe. Cheese – My favorite for this is a combination of different types of cheddar cheese with a little Parmesan. And if you like it more cheesy, you can also add some Mozzarella.
Ground beef casserole recipe
In a saute pan, over medium heat, add the oil and saute onions until translucent.Pro tip – For making this casserole, use a large skillet or pan that will accommodate the finished dish with a fitted lid. Then, add the ground beef and saute until the meat is no longer pink making sure to break the meat into smaller pieces. Next, add the garlic, followed by the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Combine well.Pro tip – Browning adds a nice caramelization and flavor. But do not overcook as it will dry the meat making it chewy.
Next, add the mustard, ketchup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Followed by the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.Pro tip – This may look like a lot of liquid but it will be absorbed by the dry uncooked pasta. Add the dry uncooked pasta and combine well. Make sure the pasta is all tucked under the ground beef mixture so it cooks evenly. Bring to a boil.
Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dante. Stirring in between as necessary.Pro tip – We want the pasta slightly undercooked at this point because it will continue to cook further with the cheese.
Open the pan, add the parsley. Stir well. Sprinkle the three different kinds of cheese on top of the pasta.Pro tip – Make sure the pasta is moist, not dry. If necessary, add a few tablespoons of water over the pasta and combine well. Cover again and cook on low until the cheese has melted for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Parmesan asparagus or Sesame green beans Kale quiche – Swiss chard quiche Spinach potato patties or carrot zucchini fritters Crispy corn fritters or kidney bean patties
Tips for Success
Use Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) will reduce the amount of fat in the dish and prevent it from becoming greasy. Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Hamburger casserole can benefit from a generous amount of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the casserole for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. Precook Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Layer Ingredients: Layering the ingredients, starting with the pasta, then the meat mixture, and finally the cheese, ensures that each bite has a good balance of flavors. Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning, then uncover for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve. Customize Toppings: Consider adding toppings like crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or additional cheese for a crunchy texture on top. Make Ahead: Hamburger casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations – this is so versatile!
Pizza casserole– If you prefer to bake this in the oven you can prepare the ground beef sauce, boil the pasta and then layer in with riccota cream cheese in a baking dish similar to lasagna. Bake for 15 minutes at 400F/200C/ Rice casserole – if you are not in the mood for pasta, you can also use partially cooked rice and layer it with grated cheese and ground beef in a bakind dish. Noodle Casserole – Use parboiled egg noodles instead of pasta or rice. Potato casserole – Place the ground beef in a casserole dish. Top with mashed potato, sour cream, and grated cheese. This is similar to a Shepherd’s pie.
Creative ways to serve hamburger casserole
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the hamburger casserole mixture as a filling for halved bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Casserole Stuffed Bread: Hollow out a loaf of bread and fill it with the hamburger casserole mixture, then bake until the bread is crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly. Casserole-Stuffed Potatoes: Bake potatoes until tender, then slice them in half and scoop out some of the flesh. Fill the potatoes with the hamburger casserole mixture and bake until heated through. Casserole Tacos: Use the hamburger casserole mixture as a filling for tacos, topping them with your favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. Casserole-Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out large bell peppers and fill them with the casserole mixture. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Casserole-Stuffed Zucchini: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh. Fill the zucchini halves with the casserole mixture and bake until the zucchini is tender.
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Frequently asked questions
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