Classic Comfort Hamburger Casserole
Experience a blast from the past with this Classic Comfort Hamburger Casserole, a hearty, savory dish perfect for busy weeknights. Inspired by an early 1960s recipe, this casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender onions, and flavorful tomatoes and corn, all topped with a crunchy, herbed stuffing. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this dish can be easily doubled to feed a crowd, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
salt
1.5 teaspoons (to taste)
chili powder
0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
canned corn
1.5 cups (drained)
canned tomatoes
2 cups (diced)
seasoned stuffing mix
1.5 cups (unprepared)
water
0.25 cup (at room temperature)
melted margarine
0.25 cup (unsalted preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion halfway through the cooking process and cook until the beef is completely cooked and the onions are soft.
3
Drain off any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the cooked beef and onions to a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
4
Mix in the salt, chili powder, canned corn, and diced tomatoes with the beef mixture in the casserole dish until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix with the water and melted margarine. Stir until the stuffing is moist and evenly coated.
6
Spread the prepared stuffing over the beef and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish, creating an even layer on top.
7
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crisp.
8
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Comfort Hamburger Casserole?
It is a hearty, savory dish inspired by a 1960s recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and corn with a crunchy stuffing topping.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of ground beef, which is browned and drained before being added to the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the stuffing?
Yes, while the recipe calls for melted margarine, you can use unsalted butter as a substitute for the stuffing mix.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What size casserole dish is required?
You will need a 2.5-quart casserole dish to fit the beef mixture and the stuffing topping.
Do I need to cook the onion separately?
No, you can add the chopped onion to the skillet halfway through browning the ground beef.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef mixture is seasoned with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of chili powder.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder or other seasonings.
What kind of corn should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1.5 cups of drained canned corn.
Are the tomatoes drained or undrained?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced canned tomatoes mixed directly into the beef and vegetable base.
How is the stuffing topping prepared?
Combine the seasoned stuffing mix with 0.25 cup of water and 0.25 cup of melted margarine until moist before spreading it over the casserole.
Should the stuffing mix be prepared before measuring?
No, you should use 1.5 cups of unprepared seasoned stuffing mix.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, draining the excess fat ensures the casserole is not overly greasy.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this dish can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd or for meal prepping.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the stuffing topping is golden brown and crisp.
Does the casserole need to rest after baking?
Yes, allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal because it contains meat, vegetables, and a starch all in one pan.
What temperature should the water be for the stuffing?
The recipe recommends using water at room temperature to moisten the stuffing mix.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned corn, you can substitute frozen corn as long as it is thawed and drained.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as comfort food, casserole, one-pot meal, ground beef, easy dinner, vintage recipe, and hearty meal.
What makes this a 'vintage' recipe?
The recipe is inspired by early 1960s home cooking styles which often featured convenient canned goods and stuffing mixes.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
While not in the original recipe, adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese under the stuffing would be a delicious variation.
Is the onion preparation specific?
The recipe calls for one medium onion that should be chopped before being cooked with the beef.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may want to add a little extra salt or tomato juice to match the consistency and flavor of the canned version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking, or freeze leftovers, though the stuffing topping may lose some crispness.
Is this a good weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying for busy weeknights.