Hamburg Delight Casserole
Hamburg Delight Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, vegetables, spaghetti, and flavorful soups, baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a savory blend of flavors and textures that satisfy and delight everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small can ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. spaghetti, cooked ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 small can whole kernel corn ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in hot shortening and add seasonings, chopped onion, grated carrots, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and tomato soup. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add corn, sliced ripe olives, mushroom soup, and cooked spaghetti to the beef mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition. If you don't have ripe olives, green olives or even capers can work in a pinch. Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. Don't skip the simmering step as it helps meld the flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is best served hot and pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Jeannie And Lela'S Overnight Layered Salad. You can also top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Delight Casserole contains roughly 331 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1810mg per serving (79% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. Adding a teaspoon of sugar can help balance the acidity if you opt for crushed tomatoes.
Can I freeze the Hamburg Delight Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baked, let it cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months.
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).