January 27, 2025

cheesy hamburger casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for quick family dinners or meal prep. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this casserole can feed six people in about 30 minutes. You might wonder how it came to be such a popular choice for home cooks. Let’s explore its history and the recipe that makes it a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy, cheesy hamburger casserole is a fantastic choice. This recipe isn’t only easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile. You can make it ahead of time and store the ingredients separately for meal prep. Each serving packs around 275.6 calories, providing 28.2 grams of protein, making it a balanced option. You can customize it by using different ground meats, cheeses, or pasta types. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, lean ground beef and low-fat cheese work well. This dish can be prepared in advance and pairs nicely with garlic bread or a salad, and leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready to go.

History

Cheesy hamburger casserole has a rich history rooted in the evolution of comfort foods. Its origins trace back to early dishes like Johnny Marzetti, which combined ground beef, tomato soup, and pasta. This concept paved the way for Hamburger Helper in 1971, a boxed meal designed to stretch ground beef during times of high food prices. As home cooks embraced these casseroles, they began using common ingredients like onions and green peppers, eventually adding cheddar cheese, which became a staple. The emergence of Johnny Marzetti in the 1920s showcases how these casseroles have been adapted over time to suit the tastes and needs of families. Over the years, recipes adapted to include various pasta types and cheese combinations. The casserole’s popularity reflects cultural influences and economic factors, making it a convenient and versatile meal choice for families across America.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni, fusilli, or shell pasta)
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 can (15 ounces) spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar soup
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef mixture, spaghetti sauce, condensed cheddar soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This casserole serves as a homemade alternative to Hamburger Helper, providing a comfort food experience that is quick to prepare, even on busy days.]

For best results, make certain you drain the pasta thoroughly and press out any excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a watery casserole.

You can also enhance the flavor by using canned tomatoes or adding your favorite herbs and spices.

Finally, glass or ceramic dishes are ideal for baking, as they retain heat well and promote even cooking. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Casserole!

Final Thoughts

Although many recipes can be complex, this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole offers a straightforward approach that makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

With a cooking time of just around 30 minutes, you can easily whip up a delicious meal that serves six people.

The casserole combines the comforting flavors of cheeseburgers with common ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, appealing to a wide audience. Additionally, it is noted for being high in protein while maintaining a low calorie count.

Nutritionally, this dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with a reasonable calorie count of about 275.6 per serving.

You can also adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences by changing the seasonings and cheeses.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes a cheesy hamburger casserole so appealing? It’s all about the combination of flavors and textures.

The main ingredients include ground beef, pasta, cheese, onions, and garlic, with seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning adding zest. Cooking takes about 75 to 90 minutes from start to finish. To prevent it from drying out, make sure to add moisture with beef broth and sour cream, and cover it while baking. If you find it too bland, boost the flavor with extra seasonings or Worcestershire sauce. Additionally, using Heluva Good! Sharp Cheddar cheese can enhance the melting properties and overall taste of the dish.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great meal option for busy days.