Hamburger casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family. It typically combines ground beef with vegetables, a creamy or cheesy sauce, and often a crunchy topping. Here’s a classic recipe for a delicious hamburger casserole:
Classic Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and softened.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make serving easier.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked pasta, rice, or cooked potatoes to make the casserole heartier.
- Vegetables: You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
This hamburger casserole is versatile and can be adapted to fit your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry. Enjoy your meal!