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Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole combines well-seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, juicy diced tomatoes, tender pasta, and a rich layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

For the Pasta:

  • 1 package pasta (penne recommended)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then transfer to a baking dish.
  2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned.
  3. Add flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and continue cooking until browned bits form, helping to thicken the sauce later.
  4. Cook vegetables: Add diced carrots and onions to the beef mixture and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Season the mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, half of the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding remaining salt if needed.
  6. Add tomato paste: Make a well in the center of the beef mixture and add tomato paste. Cook it until it loses its raw taste, then stir it through the mixture.
  7. Add diced tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to crush them if needed, then mix into the beef and vegetables.
  8. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and simmer the beef and tomato sauce for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften completely.
  9. Mix pasta with yogurt and seasoning: To the pasta in the baking dish, add Greek yogurt and Italian seasoning. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta.
  10. Assemble casserole: Layer the cooked beef and tomato mixture evenly over the seasoned pasta in the baking dish.
  11. Add cheese topping: Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the beef layer.
  12. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts. For the last 3 to 5 minutes, turn on the oven’s fan or broil setting to brown the cheese lightly.
  13. Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot with a salad or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Use penne or any sturdy pasta that holds up well in casseroles.
  • Greek yogurt adds creaminess with lower fat compared to heavy cream.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your taste, especially salt and cayenne pepper.
  • Broiling cheese at the end adds a nice golden crust—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Find it online: https://eatwithdiane.com/easy-cheesy-hamburger-casserole-recipe/