Are you looking for a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious dinner recipe that's both budget-friendly and satisfying? Look no further! This Hamburger and Ramen Noodle Casserole is a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It's one of those easy recipes that everyone will love, making it a great addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking masterpiece blends the comfort of a hamburger with the satisfying texture of ramen noodles for a truly unique culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry ramen noodles, flavor packet reserved
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Building the casserole:
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Crumble the ramen noodles into the skillet. Do not add the flavor packet yet – we’ll use it later for extra flavour!
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing touches:
- Stir in about half of the flavor packet from the ramen noodles. Taste and add more if desired. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for a more nutritious meal.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack.
- Make it cheesy: For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding a layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole before adding the top layer.
- Leftovers: This casserole is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hamburger and ramen noodle casserole is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite. This simple yet satisfying dish is a fantastic example of how easy it can be to create delicious and healthy meals at home. Enjoy this simple recipe and remember to share your culinary creations!