Hamburger Garden Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole combining savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and spaghetti topped with melted American cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a flavorful blend of tomato, oregano, and creamy mushroom soup, baked to perfection for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and drain well.
- Add chopped celery, green pepper, onions, carrots, tomato sauce, and water.
- Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked spaghetti, mushroom soup, oregano, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour into a casserole dish and top with grated American cheese.
- Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced onions when browning the hamburger. If you don't have American cheese, cheddar or mozzarella can be used as substitutes. You can also add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition. To make it a little spicier, a dash of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger Garden Casserole with a side of fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Linda's Favorite Hot Little Wiener Hors D'Oeuvres for a fun family dinner. For an extra crunch, consider topping it with crushed potato chips just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Garden Casserole contains roughly 324 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef and will work well in this casserole. It may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture for best results.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to enhance the texture and flavor without using meat.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).