Here’s a hearty Hamburger Casserole—easy, comforting, and cheesy 🍔🧀
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn for extra veggies
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion (and garlic if using).
- Drain excess fat.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasoning
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine with Pasta
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the beef-tomato mixture.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Creamy version: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream of mushroom/chicken soup to the beef mixture.
- Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese variety: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a gooey top.
If you want, I can give a quick 30-minute stovetop hamburger casserole that skips the oven and is perfect for busy nights.
Do you want me to provide that version?
