recent
Hot

Homestyle Delight: Hamburger Casserole

Home

Homestyle Delight: Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending hearty ground beef (or plant-based alternative), tender pasta, and rich, cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering all the comforting flavors of a traditional hamburger in a cozy, baked casserole. Warm, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, it's a dish that everyone will love.

Homestyle Delight: Hamburger Casserole


Key Information:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Number of servings: 6
  • Serving size: 1 cup (250g)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Ingredients:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or plant-based ground meat)
  • 1 medium onion (120g), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (400g) uncooked pasta (macaroni, rotini, or penne)
  • 1 can (400g/14oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (400g/14oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method of Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or plant-based alternative) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
  5. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat and tomato sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
  7. Layer the casserole: Transfer half of the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the second cup of shredded cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Culinary Tips for Success:

  1. Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like macaroni, rotini, or penne are ideal for this casserole, as they hold up well to baking and soak up the sauce.
  2. Boost the flavor: For extra depth, try adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
  3. Make it ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
  4. Customize your cheese: For a more complex flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  5. Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by mixing in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.
  2. Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
  3. What can I use as a plant-based alternative to ground beef? You can use any plant-based ground meat substitute or even lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
  4. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  5. Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes! Simply use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative, and the rest of the recipe remains the same.

A Final Note

Homestyle Delight: Hamburger Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table, but with a homey, baked twist. This casserole is rich, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving this for a casual gathering, it's sure to become a new household favorite!


google-playkhamsatmostaqltradent