Hamburger Cheese Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining savory ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and melted Velveeta cheese, topped with crispy chips and fresh green onions. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a comforting crowd-pleaser, this dish offers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery, chopped onion, and ground hamburger until all meat is browned.
- Add picante sauce, cream of mushroom soup, pimento, sliced ripe olives, and sliced green olives to the meat mixture. Continue to cook until cheese is melted.
- Line the bottom and sides of a 2-quart casserole dish with corn chips.
- Pour the meat and cheese mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with additional corn chips, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes to melt the cheese, or serve as is.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, chopped tomato, and sliced olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you don't have Velveeta, any meltable cheese like cheddar will work. Feel free to adjust the level of picante sauce to suit your taste. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color. It goes well with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side. Consider pairing it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade for a complete meal experience. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and warm at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Casserole contains roughly 466 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the final layer of corn chips and cheese before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for a convenient meal option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture.
What can I use instead of corn chips?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips or crushed whole grain crackers as a base. For a gluten-free alternative, look for corn-based or rice-based chips. This will still give you that crunchy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.
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).