Savorful Hamburger Casserole
A hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy layers of cheese harmonize in a timeless hamburger casserole. Rich with flavors reminiscent of backyard barbecues, this dish transforms a classic favorite into a comforting casserole, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
500 g ground beef (minced beef) - Preferably 80% lean for flavor and moisture
1 medium white onion - Chopped finely
2 cloves garlic - Minced
1 can ketchup (tomato sauce Australia and UK) - 400g, full-flavored
150 g cheddar cheese - Shredded, preferably sharp cheddar for a pronounced flavor- 300 g pasta - Uncooked, Rotini or similar shape; whole grain recommended for texture
- 150 g mixed vegetables - Frozen, carrots, peas, and corn blend
1 tsp salt - Adjust to taste
0.5 tsp ground black pepper - Freshly cracked
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it's browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is well combined and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the meat and tomato sauce mixture, along with the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.
Notes
For a crunchy top, add breadcrumb crumbs with the cheese. You can substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 24gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 857mgPotassium: 522mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1739IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 207mgIron: 3mg
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