Hamburg And Pea Casserole
A comforting American casserole that blends ground beef, sweet peas, creamy mushroom sauce, and crisp onion rings for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef until browned and drain the excess fat.
- Add the peas, cream of mushroom soup, and milk to the beef, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
- During the last few minutes of baking, scatter onion rings on top and continue to bake until the onions are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking. If you're out of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with homemade white sauce or any other cream soup. Fresh or frozen peas work well, but if using canned peas, add them at the end to avoid mushiness. For added texture, try incorporating breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for extra comfort. For a fun twist, you might want to serve it with the Spinach Sensation on the side to add a fresh, vibrant note to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg And Pea Casserole contains roughly 563 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef if you're looking for a leaner option. You could also use cooked sausage for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of the meat juices, and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have milk?
If you don't have milk on hand, you can use cream or even a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. Just be mindful of the flavor; unsweetened varieties will work best. For a thicker consistency, you can also use sour cream or yogurt, adjusting the amount to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).