Description
This Gluten Free Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over gluten-free pasta, this casserole is both delicious and free of gluten. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Canned Goods
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta (such as gluten-free elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready by the time your casserole mixture is prepared.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Cook pasta: While the beef mixture cooks, prepare the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to incorporate them evenly throughout.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, and optionally, add gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute any type of gluten-free pasta you prefer, such as penne or shells.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.
- To make it dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives or omit cheese altogether.
- If you want extra crunch, the gluten-free breadcrumbs topping is recommended but optional.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: gluten free hamburger casserole, gluten free dinner recipe, healthy beef casserole, cheesy hamburger pasta bake, gluten free comfort food
