Hamburger Casserole

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Hamburger Casserole combines simple ingredients and heartfelt flavors, making it the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The blend of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese creates a harmony that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy, savory flavors.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses or add a bit of spice to make it your own.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Frying pan for cooking beef
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 lb box medium shells
• 1 lb ground hamburger, cooked with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to taste
• 2 cans tomato soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook noodles according to package directions and drain.
3. In a frying pan, brown the hamburger with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Once browned, add 2 cans of tomato soup and ½ can of water. Stir and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the cooked noodles.
5. Pour the hamburger mixture over the noodles and stir to combine.
6. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9. If you desire a crispy cheese topping, bake under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the noodles are al dente before baking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of hot pepper flakes to the beef mixture.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack, for a different flavor profile. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While specific nutritional details can vary, this dish is a hearty source of protein and calcium, thanks to the beef and cheese. For more detailed nutritional information, consider using an online calculator based on your specific ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready to serve.
• Is there a substitute for tomato soup? You can use marinara sauce or a homemade tomato sauce as an alternative.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that promise to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. I encourage you to give it a try and share your experience. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, I’m sure it will become a family favorite!