Description
This Hamburger Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy ground beef, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful one-dish meal with minimal cleanup. Layers of seasoned meat and vegetables with pasta or potatoes create a hearty, satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Cheese and Sauces
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar (plant-based))
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Starch and Texture
- 8 oz pasta or 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced and pre-cooked
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Additions
- Chili flakes or ground cumin to taste (for spice)
- Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for veggie boost
- Quinoa or brown rice as alternative grains
- Grape juice (natural) for brightening flavors
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until nicely browned. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and any additional seasonings to develop the core flavor.
- Combine with Tomato Sauce and Natural Gelling Agent: Pour in the natural tomato sauce and a small amount of natural gelling agent to help bind the casserole. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly and allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Layer with Pasta or Potatoes: Pre-cook pasta or thinly sliced potatoes until just tender. In a casserole dish, layer the pasta or potatoes evenly, then spread the meat and vegetable mixture on top for balanced texture and flavor.
- Add Cheese and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Sprinkle a generous layer of plant-based cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the crisp smoked turkey bacon pieces to add richness and crunch.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables and well-seasoned ground beef for best flavor.
- Undercook pasta or potatoes slightly so they maintain texture after baking.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced bites throughout the casserole.
- Add a splash of grape juice (natural) to brighten flavors and add natural sweetness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to make cutting easier and allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hamburger casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, one-dish meal, gluten free
