Hamburger Casserole Recipe
Casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens since the early 20th century. The term “casserole” comes from the French word for a deep dish used for baking. The hamburger casserole became popular in the mid-1900s as an affordable and convenient way to feed families. With the rise of processed ingredients like canned soups and boxed pasta, this dish evolved into the creamy, cheesy comfort food we know today.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup (100g) frozen mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare****Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cream of mushroom soup, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- ombine Ingredients:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Add the cooked macaroni and optional mixed vegetables to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to evenly coat the pasta.
- Assemble the Casserole:Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.