Hamburger Cheese Bake

Hamburger Cheese Bake Recipe: A Flavorful, Hearty Dish

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hamburger Cheese Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines ground beef, noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Hamburger Cheese Bake are not clear, but it is a popular dish in American cuisine. It is a simple and budget-friendly recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (8 oz or 227 g each) tomato sauce
1 tbsp sugar
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups cooked noodles
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
0.33 cup chopped green onion
0.25 cup chopped green pepper
0.25 cup parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Brown the meat and onion.
Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Cook the noodles and mix them with sour cream, cottage cheese, green onion, bell pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Alternate layers of meat and noodles in a sprayed baking dish (approximately 9 x 13 inches).
Top with the cheese mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 35-45 minutes.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat and onion thoroughly to develop flavor.

- Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and sugar to enhance the taste.

- Cook the noodles al dente so they don't become mushy in the casserole.

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Hamburger Cheese Bake can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the meat and noodle mixture in the baking dish ensures that each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Hamburger Cheese Bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hamburger Cheese Bake pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Hamburger Cheese Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Bake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Bake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hamburger Cheese Bake contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hamburger Cheese Bake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Hamburger Cheese Bake contains dairy (cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese) and wheat (noodles).

Summary

Hamburger Cheese Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hamburger Cheese Bake is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy cheese mixture and hearty meat and noodle layers, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hamburger Cheese Bake. It was many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Johnson, who was known for her delicious and hearty meals. Mrs. Johnson invited me over for dinner one evening, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of sizzling beef and melting cheese.

As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Mrs. Johnson began to prepare the dish that would soon become one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings and special occasions. She explained to me that this Hamburger Cheese Bake was a family favorite that she had been making for years, and that it was always a hit with her husband and children.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Johnson browned the ground beef with onions and garlic, seasoned it with a blend of spices, and then layered it in a baking dish with cooked pasta, tomatoes, and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. The dish went into the oven to bake, and soon enough, the cheese was bubbling and the aroma was even more tantalizing than before.

When Mrs. Johnson finally pulled the Hamburger Cheese Bake out of the oven and served it up on our plates, I could hardly wait to take my first bite. The flavors were rich and comforting, the cheese was gooey and melty, and the whole dish was just pure perfection. I knew right then and there that I had to have the recipe for myself.

Mrs. Johnson was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she wrote it down on a little index card that I still have to this day. She explained each step in detail, from browning the beef to layering the ingredients to baking it just right. I thanked her profusely and promised to make it for my own family soon.

And make it I did. I brought the Hamburger Cheese Bake home and whipped it up for dinner that very same week. My husband and children were thrilled with the new dish, and they devoured every last bite. From that day on, it became a regular meal in our household, and I made it for special occasions, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Mrs. Johnson's original recipe, adding in some extra veggies here and there, or experimenting with different types of cheese. But the heart of the dish remains the same - a comforting and satisfying meal that brings joy to all who taste it.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will make it for your own family and friends, and that it will bring as much joy and warmth to your table as it has to mine. Remember where it came from, and the love and memories that go into each bite. And maybe one day, you'll have a recipe of your own to pass down to the next generation.