Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole is a delicious and budget-friendly recipe that combines ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and melted cheese in one hearty dish. It’s quick to prepare, baked to perfection, and makes the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini or medium pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 14 ounces pasta sauce
• 14 ounces canned diced or petite diced tomatoes, lightly drained (1 can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese blend

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to package directions.
3. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the boiling pasta during the last 1 minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
5. Stir in oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetables, and beef mixture.
8. Transfer everything into a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
10. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips

Hamburger Casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. This casserole also freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

1. Cheesy Upgrade – Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese in place of cheddar for a creamier, gooier topping.
2. Creamy Hamburger Casserole – Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture for extra richness.
3. Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to bring heat to the dish.
4. Tex-Mex Style – Swap Italian seasonings for taco seasoning, use black beans or corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.
5. Low-Carb Version – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a lighter option.
6. Healthier Protein – Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
7. Veggie-Packed Casserole – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the frozen veggies for more nutrition.
8. BBQ Twist – Replace pasta sauce with barbecue sauce and top with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
9. Loaded Style – Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces on top before baking for a smoky crunch.
10. Kid-Friendly Version – Use elbow macaroni instead of rotini and mild cheddar for a familiar mac-and-cheese vibe.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, shells, or elbow macaroni all work well.

2. Do I have to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked al dente before mixing into the casserole.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely, just sauté them lightly before adding to the mixture.

4. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pasta sauce is gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes for up to 2 months either baked or unbaked.

7. What cheese is best for topping?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend works great.

8. How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure your sauce has enough liquid before mixing; add a splash of broth if needed.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger casserole dish or two medium ones.

10. What side dishes go best with it?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are perfect accompaniments.

Hamburger Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make with everyday pantry staples. It’s a recipe you can prepare ahead, customize with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy for days with its family-friendly leftovers. Serve it hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

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