Description
A comforting and hearty Hamburger Casserole combining savory ground beef, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. This easy-to-make casserole brings rich flavors and textures together in a warm dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (mozzarella-style or cheddar-style)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cups cooked pasta or partially cooked diced potatoes
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Plant-based ground meat alternative (if substituting ground beef)
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat
- Cooked quinoa or rice instead of pasta/potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet until crisp, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart evenly until browned.
- Build Flavor Layers: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), paprika, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine with Pasta or Potatoes: Mix in the cooked pasta or partially cooked diced potatoes, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the meat sauce, creating the hearty bulk of the casserole.
- Layer with Plant-Based Cheese and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Spread the meat and pasta or potato mixture evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese over the top and crumble the crisp smoked turkey bacon over the cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set up.
Notes
- Prep ingredients such as chopping onions and cooking pasta or potatoes ahead of time to save time.
- Drain excess fat after browning the ground beef for a lighter casserole.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and smoked paprika for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Do not skimp on plant-based cheese or smoked turkey bacon to maximize taste and texture.
- Allow the casserole to cool briefly after baking to make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Hamburger casserole, ground beef casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, comfort food, easy dinner
