Jean’s Hamburger Casserole
📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Jean | 📂 Category: Entrees A hearty, all-in-one casserole from Jean featuring seasoned ground beef, macaroni, vegetables, and a bubbly cheesy topping. This classic weeknight dinner delivers comforting flavors in every bite.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 45 mins | None | 6–8 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pound | Ground Meat | Beef |
| 1 | Bell Pepper | Chopped |
| 1 | Onion | Chopped |
| 1/2 Cup | Macaroni | Uncooked |
| 1 Cup | Ripe Pitted Olives | Chopped |
| 1 Cup | Corn | Canned or frozen, thawed |
| 1 Can | Tomatoes | Approx. 15 oz, undrained |
| 1/2 Pound | Cheese | 2 cups, grated |
| As needed | Olive Juice or Tomato Juice | Optional, for thinning |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Cook Macaroni
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Cook the 1/2 cup macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped 1 bell pepper and 1 onion until softened.
- Add the 1 pound ground meat to the skillet and cook until completely browned, breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped 1 cup ripe pitted olives, 1 cup corn, and 1 can tomatoes with their juice.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the macaroni bowl and stir everything to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, thin it with a splash of olive juice or tomato juice.
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top the mixture generously with the 1/2 pound cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking; add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Original Recipe Scan
