Hamburger Casserole
A hearty and satisfying casserole bringing the flavors of a classic hamburger in a convenient format, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Rich and flavorful
- 1 small onion, chopped For a hint of sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic depth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce Providing a tangy base
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained To avoid excess moisture
- 1 cup frozen peas Vibrant and nutritious
- 1.5 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) Hearty for that comforting feel
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melty and sharp
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Gooey goodness
- 1 tsp dried oregano For a touch of herbaceous flavor
- 0.5 tsp salt Enhancing overall taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper For a slight kick
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter Binding it all together
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the ground beef in the skillet until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, frozen peas, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir to coat.
Assembly
- Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Mix the crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. Mix and match vegetables, and consider adding cream cheese for extra creaminess.