Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the flavors of ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and gooey cheese in one delicious meal. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. With its simple ingredients and flavorful taste, Hamburger Casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why Make Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger Casserole is a versatile dish that offers a tasty and filling meal with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples such as ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this casserole is budget-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, Hamburger Casserole is a convenient and satisfying option for any occasion.

How to Make Hamburger Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and the red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the onion and bell pepper are soft and the ground beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and cooked macaroni. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Top with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hamburger Casserole hot, straight from the oven, as a comforting and satisfying meal on its own. You can also pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and easy meal the next day.

Storage Info

Store leftover Hamburger Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Some Techniques or Tips

Be sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef before adding the other ingredients to the skillet.
Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables or spices. You can add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Variation

For a lighter version of this casserole, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also substitute whole wheat pasta for the elbow macaroni for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese or add a layer of breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

FAQs about Hamburger Casserole

Can I use a different type of pasta in this casserole?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this casserole. Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta would all work well in place of elbow macaroni.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking the casserole directly from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Hamburger Casserole for up to 2-3 months. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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