Description
This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy ground beef, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy melted plant-based cheese. Quick to prepare and customizable, it is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, family-friendly meal with familiar, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably thick diced)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini (for veggie boost)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño (for spicy kick)
- Breadcrumbs substitute: 1 cup crushed nuts or seeds (for low-carb option)
- Ground plant-based meat alternative in place of ground beef (for plant-based protein)
- Additional plant-based cheese varieties such as plant-based mozzarella or plant-based cheddar (for extra cheesy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Veggies: Crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent to build a savory base.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole light but flavorful.
- Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, diced tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and fresh parsley. Stir in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent for texture. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the Topping and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with a little more plant-based cheese and sprinkle this layer on top of the casserole for a lovely golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is nicely browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set perfectly and make slicing easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme at the end to brighten the flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for firmer slices and enhanced flavor.
- Spread ingredients evenly in the baking dish to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
- Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
- Choose thick diced tomatoes to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Hamburger Casserole, ground beef casserole, smoked turkey bacon casserole, plant-based cheese, comfort food, quick weeknight meal, family-friendly, customizable casserole