Hamburger casserole is a beloved comfort food dish that brings together the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient and satisfying casserole form. It typically starts with ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings, creating a savory base. This mixture is then combined with cooked pasta, such as elbow macaroni, to add heartiness and texture.
To amp up the cheeseburger-inspired taste, tomato puree, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce are often added, infusing the dish with a tangy sweetness and savory depth. Generous amounts of melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blanket the casserole, forming a gooey, indulgent topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, hamburger casserole emerges from the oven as a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
What is hamburger casserole?
Hamburger casserole, often known as cheeseburger casserole, is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a casserole. It typically features ground beef, cheese, pasta, and a variety of seasonings and sauces. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients
To make this easy cheeseburger casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of the dish, providing the meaty base and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion adds flavor and depth to the casserole. It’s sautéed with the ground beef to enhance its sweetness and aroma.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory element and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Chili Powder): These seasonings add flavor and depth to the casserole. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste, while oregano and chili powder provide additional layers of flavor and a hint of spice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami-rich flavor to the casserole, reminiscent of classic cheeseburger condiments.
- Tomato Puree and Diced Tomatoes: These tomato products provide a rich, tangy flavor to the casserole, similar to ketchup and tomato sauce found in traditional cheeseburgers.
- Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni serves as the pasta component of the casserole, adding texture and helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the casserole, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta and meat.
- Beef Broth (or Beef Bouillon): Beef broth adds depth of flavor to the casserole, while also providing additional moisture for cooking the pasta.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is mild and melts well, adding creaminess and gooey texture to the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and depth of flavor to the casserole, complementing the other ingredients and creating a cheesy, indulgent topping.
- Dried Parsley: Dried parsley is used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
- Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the familiar and comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in casserole form. Together, they combine to make a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients listed in the recipe, including ground beef, onions, garlic, seasonings, pasta, cheese, and other condiments.
Step 2: Preheating the Oven
Before starting the cooking process, preheat your oven to the specified temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready when it’s time to bake the casserole.
Step 3: Cooking the Onions and Beef
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook them until they become translucent, typically around 4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 4: Seasoning the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, season it with salt, pepper, dried oregano, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir the seasonings into the beef mixture and let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Incorporating the Tomato Sauce
Next, pour in the tomato puree and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to develop the flavors further.
Step 6: Adding the Pasta and Liquid
Add the dried elbow macaroni and beef broth (or water with beef bouillon) to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes to partially cook the pasta and allow it to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
Step 7: Incorporating the Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the mixture until well combined. Then, add a portion of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
Step 8: Transferring to Baking Dish
Once everything is well combined, transfer the casserole mixture from the skillet to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 9: Topping with Cheese and Parsley
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle some dried parsley over the cheese layer for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 10: Baking the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for the specified time, usually around 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Serving
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley before serving, if desired.
Following these steps will guide you through the process of making a delicious Cheeseburger Casserole that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Substitutions and Additions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Additionally, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if desired.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni would all work well in this dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
Q: Can I omit the heavy cream to make this dish lighter?
A: Yes, you can omit the heavy cream if you prefer. You can substitute it with milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version of the casserole.
Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a creamier texture, increase the amount of heavy cream.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor profiles.
Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
Course: DinnerCuisine: American8
servings10
minutes30
minutesCheesy Beef and Macaroni Casserole is a delightful and indulgent dish that brings together the beloved flavors of hearty beef, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta. This casserole is a comforting rendition of a classic favorite, offering a harmonious blend of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, reminiscent of the timeless comfort of a cheeseburger combined with the creamy satisfaction of macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 pound of high-quality ground beef
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup of smooth tomato puree
15 ounces can of diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup of luxurious heavy cream
10 ounces of elbow macaroni
¾ cup of beef broth, or dissolve beef bouillon in 3/4 cup of water
2 cups of premium Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1 teaspoon of dried parsley
Directions
- Preheat your oven to a comforting 350°F.
- In a spacious skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the finely diced onion until it turns translucent, which should take around 4 minutes.
- Now, introduce the star of the show – the ground beef. Cook it until it achieves a glorious brown hue and is no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes.
- It’s time to season the beef to perfection. Sprinkle in the sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir the concoction well, ensuring the flavors mingle beautifully. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the aromas to enchant your kitchen.
- Add in the smooth tomato puree and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir them gently into the mix, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
- Now, let’s invite the macaroni to the party! Toss in the elbow macaroni and pour in the beef broth (or dissolved beef bouillon). Stir everything together, letting it simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour in the luxurious heavy cream, ensuring it blankets the mixture with its creamy goodness. Stir well to incorporate.
- Now comes the magical moment – the cheese! Add 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt into a velvety sauce, coating every morsel of beef and macaroni with richness.
- Transfer this delightful concoction into a generously sized 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a golden crown of cheesy goodness.
- Sprinkle the dried parsley delicately over the cheese, adding a touch of vibrancy and freshness to the dish.
- Bake this masterpiece in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly, enchanting your senses with its aroma.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and meld together.
- Serve this divine creation with a sprinkle of parsley on top, and revel in the comforting embrace of cheesy beef and macaroni casserole.
Leave a Reply