This cheesy hamburger casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared in one dish for easy cleanup.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and feed a crowd.
Overview of Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This cheesy hamburger casserole is a delightful dish that brings together ground beef, pasta, and a variety of cheeses for a fulfilling meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a one-dish solution that simplifies cleanup while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or a gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The core of this casserole includes seasoned ground beef, which adds a savory depth to the dish.
Alongside the beef, cooked pasta provides a hearty base, while a creamy sauce binds everything together.
Colorful diced tomatoes not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute a fresh taste that balances the richness of the cheese.
Preparation Steps to Follow
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven warms up, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring the meat is cooked through before draining any excess fat.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the beef mixture is ready, combine it with the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and a can of cream of mushroom soup.
Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Transfer the combined ingredients into a greased casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
Generously top the mixture with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully during baking.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishing
After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
For a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top as a garnish.
This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall presentation of the dish, making it even more inviting.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This casserole features seasoned ground beef mixed with cooked pasta, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, serving approximately 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In the skillet, add the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g