This Hamburger Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining ground beef, pasta, creamy mushroom soup, and shredded cheese. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for feeding a family or a group. Here’s how to make it in more detail!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef: This is the main protein for the dish, and it forms the savory base. You can choose lean ground beef or regular, depending on your preference for fat content.
1 small onion, diced: Onions add a sweet, savory flavor and depth to the casserole. They will soften and blend with the beef as it cooks.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant and robust flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained): The diced tomatoes provide acidity and moisture to the casserole. The juices from the tomatoes will cook with the beef and pasta, infusing the dish with flavor.
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This soup brings a creamy, rich consistency to the casserole, and helps bind all the ingredients together. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese melts beautifully, forming a golden, bubbly topping. It also adds richness and a sharp tangy flavor.
1 cup cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini): The pasta absorbs the flavors from the beef and sauce, adding a nice chewy texture. You can use any pasta shape, but short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini works best.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlic flavor without the bite of raw garlic.
1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a little warmth to the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: These seasonings are essential to bring all the flavors together. Add according to your personal preference.
1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin the cream of mushroom soup and give the casserole a creamier texture. You can also substitute with heavy cream for a richer result.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and onions, olive oil adds a light and healthy fat to the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and the onions are soft and translucent (about 5–7 minutes).
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
To the cooked beef and onion mixture, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
