Cheddar Broccoli Hamburger Casserole

Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Cheddar Broccoli Hamburger Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 2 packs of cheddar broccoli (you can use pre-packaged mix or frozen broccoli florets with shredded cheddar cheese)
• 1 lb ground hamburger
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground hamburger over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re softened and fragrant.
4. Add the cheddar broccoli packs to the skillet with the onion and garlic. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions before adding.
5. Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
6. Once the broccoli is cooked and the flavors are blended, add the cooked ground hamburger back into the skillet. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
7. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crunch.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This Cheddar Broccoli Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family! Enjoy!

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Cheddar Broccoli Hamburger Casserole:

1. Add Seasonings: Experiment with additional seasonings to enhance the flavor profile of the casserole. Consider adding some smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
2. Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add brightness and freshness to the dish. Chop them finely and sprinkle them on top of the casserole just before serving for a burst of flavor.
3. Extra Cheese: You can never have too much cheese! Consider mixing different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan along with the cheddar for added richness and depth of flavor.
4. Creamy Sauce: For a creamier texture, mix in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup into the casserole mixture before baking. This will add richness and help bind the ingredients together.
5. Crunchy Topping: Create a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Spread this mixture over the cheese layer before baking for a deliciously crispy topping.
6. Vegetable Variation: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic until softened before adding the hamburger.
7. Pre-Cook Hamburger: For a quicker cooking time and to ensure the hamburger is fully cooked through, you can pre-cook it before adding it to the casserole mixture. This will also help reduce excess grease in the dish.
8. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
9. Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with complementary sides such as a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
10. Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

With these tips, your Cheddar Broccoli Hamburger Casserole will be even more delightful and irresistible!