Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole is an ideal dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This hearty meal features ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with vegetables, making it a wholesome option that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy Sunday or during a hectic weekday dinner, this casserole is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delicious casserole in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or substitute proteins according to your family’s preferences.
• Comforting and Satisfying: This dish combines pasta, protein, and cheese for a warm and filling meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Easily Scalable: Perfect for meal prepping, you can easily adjust the quantities to feed a crowd or have leftovers for lunch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish (13×9 inches)

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly while ensuring there’s enough space for it to cook properly.
• Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly and efficiently without making a mess.
• Large Skillet: Provides ample space to sauté vegetables and brown the ground beef without overcrowding.
• Baking Dish: A sturdy baking dish is crucial for even cooking and easy serving straight from the oven.

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 Casserole Base

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta shape)
• 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)
• 1 pound ground beef

For Flavoring

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

For the Sauce and Topping

• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 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 boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander, rinse lightly under cold water, drain well again, and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook while stirring often until the carrots are tender—about 8 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Scoot the veggies to the edges of the pan. Add the ground beef in the center. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook while crumbling until browned; drain off any excess grease.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

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

Step 6: Mix in Tomato Sauce

Stir in both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes until well combined.

Step 7: Combine with Cheese and Pasta

Remove from heat. Stir in one-third of your shredded cheddar cheese followed by adding in your cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8: Transfer & Top

Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top evenly.

Step 9: Bake

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly golden brown on top. Enjoy your homemade Hamburger Casserole!

How to Serve Hamburger Casserole

Serving Hamburger Casserole is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. Whether for family dinners or casual gatherings, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing complement the richness of the casserole.

Add Some Crunch

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the casserole.
• Breadsticks: Soft and chewy breadsticks make for a fun finger food option alongside the dish.

Include Some Veggies

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious side that balances the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings additional flavors to the table.

How to Perfect Hamburger Casserole

To ensure your Hamburger Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs for better taste. Fresh basil or parsley can brighten up the dish.
• Layer Wisely: Spread the cheese evenly throughout the casserole for consistent melting and flavor in every bite.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before baking; adjust salt and pepper as needed based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Casserole

Complement your Hamburger Casserole with delicious side dishes that enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with this hearty dish.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with sour cream or chives for added flavor.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a crisp side that balances out the richness.
5. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit and add a fun element to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies provides protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hamburger Casserole, even small errors can affect your dish’s outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring the cooking time for pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole. Follow package instructions and cook it al dente for the best texture.
• Not draining excess grease: Leaving grease from the ground beef can make your casserole oily. Be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the meat.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to add enough seasoning can result in a bland dish. Make sure to use all spices and seasonings as indicated in the recipe for maximum flavor.
• Overloading with cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the casserole greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste and texture.
• Not letting it rest before serving: Cutting into the casserole immediately can lead to a messy presentation. Allow it to rest for a few minutes after baking for better slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled Hamburger Casserole in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Hamburger Casserole

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Hamburger Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamburger Casserole?

Hamburger Casserole is a hearty dish made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s an easy dinner option that families love.

Can I customize my Hamburger Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like spinach or zucchini or swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken based on your preference.

How do I ensure my casserole isn’t dry?

To keep your Hamburger Casserole moist, make sure there’s enough sauce and avoid overbaking it. A little extra tomato sauce can help as well!

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is ideal, you can substitute any short pasta shape like penne or elbow macaroni without affecting the dish’s overall flavor.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting meal that brings together delicious flavors in one dish. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins! Give it a try for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

---