Description
Hearty Midwestern hamburger casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delicious dish. Simple ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that connects generations through classic home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini or medium pasta
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) pasta sauce
- 14 ounces (397 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar mozzarella blend
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and reserve.
- Heat oven to 350F (175C).
- Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Fold cooked pasta into meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar mozzarella cheese blend generously over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set the casserole.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and fiber.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Italian mix to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
- Use gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg