If You Have Canned Tomato Soup And A Pound Of Ground Beef, Make A Hearty Casserole In 45 Minutes

There are days when all you need is a quick, comforting dish that is hearty and filling without requiring too much time in the kitchen. This hamburger casserole using handy canned tomato soup, pasta, and ground beef, is one of those recipes that hits the spot, comes together quickly, and feels a little nostalgic. 

Start by parboiling your preferred short pasta shape, such as elbows or shells, both of which soak up sauce nicely. Whatever you have on hand will work. Take it off the heat and drain before it is fully al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. While the pasta boils, brown the ground beef in a bit of oil, adding salt, pepper, and any seasoning of your choosing. Taco seasoning works nicely, or keep it simple with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. 

Use approximately two 10-ounce cans of tomato soup for each pound of beef. Just pick your favorite brand of canned tomato soup. It's a convenient, affordable, and flavorful ingredient to have on hand, and there are many delicious ways in which you can incorporate tomato soup into your meals, from making the best sloppy joes to jazzing up your chili. Sometimes the best way to cook is to take simple pantry ingredients and use them to your maximum advantage. 

Once the beef is cooked, layer the pasta and the beef in an oven-safe casserole dish. Add the two cans of tomato soup, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Finally, top the casserole with generous handfuls of cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works best, the former provides flavor and depth, while the latter gives you that cheese pull we all love. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. The whole thing should only take 45 minutes.

It only takes a few tweaks to boost this casserole, so if you want to zhuzh it up, here are a few ways to do it. Start by adding more texture. Top the cheese mix with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Crushed potato chips work just as well. Finish the dish with a touch of green by adding freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley, for another flavor note.

Take it from bland to grand by adding vegetables. Before browning the meat, saute finely diced onions and garlic until soft and aromatic. If you want to amp up the sauce and make it silkier and more full-bodied, splash in some bone broth. Besides adding depth to the sauce, bone broth contains collagen and protein, making it a popular addition for those looking to up their nutrient intake. It's a win-win.

The easiest way to really take any dish up a notch, is to up your spice game. Try making your own blends, bloom them in oil before browning the meat to release their aromatic compounds, and make sure they haven't been in the cupboard for long. Spices lose their potency over time. 

If you prefer, you can drain excess fat and juices from the beef before adding it to the casserole. You can also freeze any leftovers in individual portions to make reheating easier for another easy weeknight meal. And finally, check out some other handy tips to elevate your casseroles, regardless of which recipe you follow.