Hey there, hamburger lovers! Are you tired of the same old burger and fries at every cookout? Well, have no fear because the ultimate hamburger casserole recipe is here! This recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for family dinners. So, put away your grilling tools and fire up the oven because this casserole is about to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
This hamburger casserole is like a deconstructed burger with all the fixings mixed in with pasta and topped with melted cheese. This recipe is also customizable to fit your preferences, so feel free to add or omit ingredients as you see fit. Don’t let the word “casserole” intimidate you. This dish is easy to prepare and will be on the dinner table in under an hour. So, let’s get cooking!
Hamburger Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food in a Dish
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting feeling of a delicious casserole dish. It’s a meal that is both hearty and comforting, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. One of the most popular casserole dishes is the classic hamburger casserole. This dish is a favorite among many households and is a staple comfort food around the world.
What Is Hamburger Casserole?
Hamburger casserole, also known as “goulash,” is a classic dish that is made with noodles, vegetables, and ground beef topped with cheese. It originated in the United States, and since then, it has become a staple comfort food worldwide. It is a simple and easy-to-make one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, and it is a great option to make ahead of time and reheat later in the week.
Ingredients You Need
If you want to make your own hamburger casserole, here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Directions to Make Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Here is how you can make hamburger casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside.
- Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, frozen veggies, salt, and pepper into the skillet and cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is well combined.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked egg noodles.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can always serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies.
In conclusion, a delicious hamburger casserole is easy to make and perfect for dinner time. It’s a hearty one-dish meal that the whole family will love, and it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Try making it today!
Variations of Hamburger Casserole
Cajun Hamburger Casserole
If you’re looking for a way to add a little spice to your casserole night, try making a Cajun Hamburger Casserole! To add a Cajun flair to this classic dish, swap out the ground beef for Andouille sausage and season it with your favorite Cajun spices. Bell peppers and onions also make a great addition to the recipe, adding extra flavor and texture.
To make this delicious casserole, start by browning the Andouille sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the sausage is cooked, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside. In the same skillet, sauté some diced bell peppers and onions until they are tender, then add some garlic and your favorite Cajun spice blend. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Next, add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes. In a separate pot, cook your choice of pasta (we recommend using penne or rotini) according to the package instructions, then drain the noodles.
Once everything is cooked and ready to go, mix the cooked pasta with the sausage and bell pepper mixture, then transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well) and bake in a preheated oven (set at 375°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Mexican Hamburger Casserole
If you’re in the mood for something with a little bit more of a southwestern flavor, try making a Mexican Hamburger Casserole! This recipe is similar to classic Hamburger Casserole, but with a few tweaks to give it a Mexican twist.
To make this delicious casserole, start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside. In the same skillet, sauté some diced onions until they are tender, then add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, some canned corn, and some black beans. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a separate pot, cook your choice of pasta (we recommend using elbow macaroni or rotini) according to the package instructions, then drain the pasta.
Once everything is cooked and ready to go, mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Bake in a preheated oven (set at 375°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado for added flavor and depth.
Vegetarian Hamburger Casserole
Looking for a vegetarian alternative to classic Hamburger Casserole? Try making a Vegetarian Hamburger Casserole that’s just as delicious and satisfying as the original! To make this recipe, swap out the ground beef for meatless crumbles, which are made from soy and have a similar texture to ground meat. You can also substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Start by cooking the meatless crumbles in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they are browned and slightly crispy. Set aside the crumbles and use the same skillet to sauté some diced onions and mushrooms until they are tender. Add some minced garlic and season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a separate pot, cook your choice of pasta (we recommend using bow tie or penne) according to the package instructions, then drain the noodles.
Once everything is cooked and ready to go, mix the cooked pasta with the meatless crumbles and vegetable mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven (set at 375°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This Vegetarian Hamburger Casserole is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish without any meat!
Say Goodbye to Boring Dinners
Thank you for reading about our ultimate hamburger casserole recipe! We hope you enjoyed learning about this easy and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to create a hearty and tasty meal that everyone will love.
Next time you’re stuck on what to cook for dinner, remember this recipe and give it a try! And don’t forget to come back to our website for more meal ideas and cooking tips. We’re always updating our recipes to make sure you have the best selection of dishes to choose from. Thanks again for stopping by, and happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It has less fat content, which makes it a healthier choice, and still provides plenty of protein.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but feel free to use any type of cheese you like. Swiss, mozzarella, and pepper jack would all be great options.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
4. How long does this casserole take to bake?
It should take about 30-35 minutes in the oven, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
5. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just assemble it as directed, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! You can add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to give this recipe a little extra nutrition and flavor.
7. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe. Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini would all be good choices.
8. Can I make this recipe on the stove?
While this recipe is designed to be baked in the oven, you could certainly adapt it to cook on the stove instead. Just brown the ground beef, cook the pasta separately, and then combine all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat.
9. Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the ground beef and use a meat substitute or more vegetables instead.
10. Can I add spices to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add any spices you like to this recipe, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning, to give it extra flavor.
