Description
Savory hamburger casserole delights families with layers of ground beef, cheese, and hearty noodles. Comfort meets simplicity in this classic midwestern dish that brings warmth to dinner tables and smiles to hungry faces.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb medium shells
- 21.5 oz (610 grams) tomato soup
Cheese:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
- Cook medium shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain completely.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked.
- Transfer the drained pasta to the prepared baking dish. Mix in the cooked ground beef, two cans of tomato soup, and optionally add a half cup of water for extra moisture.
- Distribute cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the beef and pasta mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to blend thoroughly.
- Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to help the cheese melt completely.
- For a golden, crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the dish to cool slightly and flavors to settle.
Notes
- Adjust pasta cooking time carefully to prevent mushiness, aiming for al dente texture which helps maintain casserole’s structural integrity.
- Consider low-fat ground beef or turkey alternatives for healthier protein options without compromising rich flavor profile.
- Test cheese variations such as sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to introduce unique depth and personalized culinary twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg