Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger casserole, blending classic American flavors with simple home-style cooking. Savory ground beef, tender noodles, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Seasoning Components:
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Dairy Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) dry shell pasta (1/2 box)
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to create a warm culinary environment at 350 degrees.
- Transform ground beef into a savory base by sautéing with aromatic onions, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant garlic in a large skillet. Eliminate excess oil through careful draining.
- Elevate the meat mixture by incorporating diced tomatoes, rich tomato paste, seasoning elements like salt, Italian herbs, ground pepper, and tangy Worcestershire sauce. Allow flavors to meld by simmering for a brief 5-minute window.
- Prepare pasta separately, following package guidance, then thoroughly drain to prevent waterlogging.
- Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking cream cheese and sour cream until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently fold cooked pasta into this luxurious mixture.
- Construct the casserole in strategic layers within a 9×13 inch baking vessel: first, spread half the pasta blend, then distribute the robust beef mixture, cover with remaining pasta, and crown with a generous blanket of shredded cheeses.
- Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Provide a final flourish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the dish moments before serving, adding visual appeal and herbaceous brightness.
Notes
- Customize protein by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked when mixing with cream cheese mixture to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg