This savory hamburger casserole is a simple and satisfying dish that makes great use of 1 pound of ground beef. It’s packed with flavor and combines pasta, cheese, and vegetables for a complete meal in one pot.
The recipe is easy to follow and perfect for weeknight dinners. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Overview of Hamburger Casserole
This hamburger casserole combines the comforting flavors of ground beef, pasta, and cheese into a single dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this meal can be customized with various vegetables or spices to suit personal preferences.
The bubbling, golden cheese on top adds an inviting touch, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dinner table.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The key components of this casserole include ground beef, which provides a hearty base, and pasta that adds texture and substance.
Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn contribute color and nutrition, while marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich flavor.
Finally, a generous layer of mozzarella cheese creates a deliciously gooey topping that is hard to resist.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they soften.
Next, add the ground beef, cooking it until browned, and drain any excess fat.
While the beef cooks, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Bringing It All Together
Once the beef is ready, mix in the marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and frozen vegetables.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well combined.
Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, topping it off with shredded mozzarella cheese for that perfect finish.
Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This hamburger casserole is best served warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pair it with a simple side salad to add freshness and balance to the meal.
With its comforting flavors and inviting presentation, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Easy Hamburger Casserole Recipe
This casserole features ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, mixed with pasta, marinara sauce, and topped with cheese. The dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the beef, stir in marinara sauce, cooked pasta, frozen vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty hamburger casserole!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g