Hamburger Casserole

I have been a little under the weather this week and just couldn’t make it to the store to get groceries to make dinner the other night, so I took a trip trough the pantry and the freezer and came up with this recipe. My friend Tina used to make this for me when I lived in Boise many years ago and I always enjoyed how simple and flavorful it was, so I thought it would be the perfect recipe for me while I was not feeling well, but still ravenously hungry. I don’t make many casseroles, but always enjoy them when I do because they are so easy and flavorful, I secretly think that the fifties house wives were much smarter than we are now because of their easy all-inclusive casserole recipes. Thanks Tina for this delicious and easy recipe!

Hamburger Casserole

12 Ounces Pasta, penne or egg noodles work the best
1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Small Yellow Onion, chopped
8 Ounces Cream Cheese
3 Tablespoons Sour Cream
1 15 Ounce Can Tomato Sauce
1 Teaspoon Salt & Pepper
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Cook pasta until almost al dente, drain and reserve. In a large skillet cook the hamburger and onion together until the hamburger is browned, then drain. Next mix together the pasta, ground beef & onion mixture, cream cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, and salt & pepper until well combined. Place mixture into a medium sized casserole dish and sprinkle the top with the grated cheddar cheese. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and top is golden brown, let rest for a few minutes and serve.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of those things that brings me back to my childhood. I have always loved meatloaf, but hardly ever make it. It is one of the quickest main dishes I have ever made and it’s great for leftovers, so go ahead and give it a try. This is definitely the traditional version of a meatloaf, especially with the ketchup on the top, but why try to fancify something that is so good just as it is?

Meatloaf

1-1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
1 Onion, finely minced
2 Stalks Celery, finely chopped
1 Cup Bread Crumbs (I used crushed up saltines because I was out of breadcrumbs)
½ Cup Ketchup, plus more for the topping
2 Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Pepper
2 Eggs

Combine all ingredients until well blended. Place in a 9x13-inch baking pan or on a cookie sheet and form into a large “loaf”, top with ketchup. Bake at 375-degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer reads 170 degrees.