Hamburger Casserole
A comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic hamburger in cheesy, casserole form, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef juicy and flavorful
- 1 small onion, chopped for that perfect aromatic base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to add a fragrant punch
Canned Goods
- 1 can rich tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), drained for added texture
Vegetables
- 1 cup frozen peas vibrant and sweet
Pasta and Cheese
- 1.5 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) soft and comforting
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese creamy with a sharp bite
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese rich and melty
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano earthy and aromatic
- 0.5 tsp salt to enhance the flavors
- 0.5 tsp black pepper for a mild kick
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil to keep everything cooking smoothly
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
- 1 tbsp melted butter to enrich the crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, frozen peas, oregano, salt, and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta and beef.
- Mix the crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce while cooking the beef. Use pre-cooked pasta for quicker preparation, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables.