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