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Hamburger Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines the flavors of a classic hamburger with layers of ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese, topped with a crunchy layer for a delightful finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef the star of the show, bringing that juicy, savory flavor.
  • 1 small onion, chopped adds a sweet aroma when cooked.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced provides a robust and comforting taste.
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce enriches the dish with vibrant color and flavor.
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained a juicy addition for texture.
  • 1 cup frozen peas sweet and tender, a pop of color and nutrition.
  • 1.5 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) the base that makes the casserole hearty.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese melty goodness with a sharp taste.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and that gooey texture everyone loves.
Seasonings and Toppings
  • 1 tsp dried oregano aromatic herb that lends a depth of flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp salt essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper a hint of spice.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil perfect for browning your beef.
  • 1 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs delivers a satisfying crunch on top.
  • 1 tbsp melted butter binds the topping together and adds richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, frozen peas, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring well.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the crushed potato chips (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter, and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms while cooking the beef. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, and feel free to swap out ingredients for variations.