When the weather is chilly and you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, nothing beats a warm casserole straight from the oven. The Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This simple yet satisfying casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
If you’ve been looking for a family-friendly comfort food recipe that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious, you’ve found it. Let’s walk through how to make this delightful casserole step by step.
Ingredients for Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – the base of this casserole, bringing rich and savory flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni – a hearty pasta that fills out the dish
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots – brings a pop of color and extra nutrition
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – for a creamy and smooth texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that gooey, melty topping that everyone loves
- 1/2 cup milk – ensures the casserole stays creamy and moist
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the savory flavor of the casserole
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds a mild, smoky flavor to the dish
- Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning and balancing out all the flavors
- Cooking spray or butter – for greasing the casserole dish and ensuring the casserole doesn’t stick
Once you’ve got all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process!
Preparation for Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole will cook evenly, with the cheese melting into a perfectly bubbly, golden topping. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with either cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cooking the Ground Beef
The next step involves browning the ground beef, which is the main protein in this dish. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s fully browned. Stir occasionally to break up the meat and ensure it cooks evenly. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until the onions become soft and translucent. This will take about 3-4 minutes, and the onion will infuse the beef with its sweet and savory flavor. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture to avoid making the casserole greasy.
Combining the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the ground beef mixture, the frozen peas and carrots, the cream of mushroom soup, the milk, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The cream of mushroom soup acts as the base, giving the casserole a rich, creamy consistency, while the milk adds just the right amount of moisture to ensure it doesn’t dry out while baking. The garlic powder and paprika give the casserole a wonderful flavor depth that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
Layer and Top with Cheese
Once all the ingredients are well combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, pressing down gently to ensure the mixture holds together. This will help the casserole bake more evenly and ensure every bite is flavorful. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and bubble up, creating a delicious, golden-brown crust that everyone will love.
Baking the Casserole
Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to bake the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. If you like your cheese extra crispy, feel free to broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Serving the Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
Once your casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Nutritional Information for Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
This hearty casserole not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
These numbers may vary slightly depending on specific brands and ingredients used, but overall, this casserole is a comforting, filling, and nutritious option.
Tips for Perfecting Your Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
- Customize Your Veggies: If you prefer a different vegetable, feel free to swap out the peas and carrots for something else. Frozen corn, green beans, or even spinach would work beautifully in this dish.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a unique twist.
- Make It Spicy: For a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the ground beef mixture.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you freeze it, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
FAQs About Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is a great time-saver, especially for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni works perfectly in this recipe, you can substitute other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work just as well as ground beef in this casserole. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I freeze Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers will be kept for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making this casserole a great option for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
Why You’ll Love Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any table. Here’s why it’s perfect for you:
- Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish is a great choice for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, hearty nature of this casserole makes it a hit with kids. Plus, the veggies are hidden inside, so picky eaters won’t even notice!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: When you need something filling and comforting, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s a warm hug in a dish.
- Affordable: Using simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and frozen veggies, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Other Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of comforting, cheesy casseroles, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- Poor Man’s Husband Casserole: Budget Comfort Food Recipe
- Hamburger Potato Casserole: Simple, Hearty, and Delicious
- Million Dollar Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dish
This Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole is a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make dish that will bring your family together around the dinner table. With its savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
Print
Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole – Family’s Favorite Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole packed with ground beef, macaroni, veggies, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, frozen veggies, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer and Top with Cheese: Spread the mixture evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting casserole with your loved ones!
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add-ins: Try adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Hearty Hubby Delight Casserole, cheesy beef casserole, ground beef comfort food, macaroni casserole