Hamburger Casserole: A Homely Prairie Delight
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: 4
Lovingly shared by Lioness Joan Nielsen of Marshall, Saskatchewan, this Hamburger Casserole recipe is a rustic gem hailing from the heart of the Canadian prairies, just a stone’s throw away from the Alberta border. Crafted from a vintage cookbook, its mimeographed pages whisper the secrets of a bygone era, offering a taste of comfort that transcends time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1/4 pound bacon, diced
- 2 cups rice, cooked
- 1 can tomatoes (approximately 14 ounces or 400mL)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 899.9
- Fat: 33.7g
- Saturated Fat: 13.8g
- Cholesterol: 113.5mg
- Sodium: 1176.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 100.7g
- Fiber: 8.5g
- Sugar: 9.1g
- Protein: 45.4g
Rating: 3.5 stars from 5 reviews
Instructions:
-
Browning the Bounty: In a culinary dance, cook the ground hamburger and diced bacon until they harmonize into a symphony of rich, savory flavors. Once browned, bid farewell to excess fat, draining it away for a leaner delight.
-
Layering Love: Lay the foundation of this prairie masterpiece by placing the cooked rice in the casserole dish. On this canvas, create strata of memories by adding the tomatoes, salt, peas, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Let each layer be a testament to the wholesome goodness of the Canadian prairies.
-
Crowning Glory: To elevate this casserole to a golden pinnacle, top the layers with a scattering of breadcrumbs. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also becomes the crowning glory when baked to perfection.
-
Butter Drizzle Ballet: Embark on a culinary ballet as you drizzle 2 teaspoons of melted butter over the casserole, ensuring every inch is touched by the golden elixir. This small yet crucial step adds a richness that is the hallmark of prairie kitchens.
-
Baking Symphony: Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C), and let the casserole take center stage. Allow it to bake for a soul-soothing hour, letting the ingredients meld into a harmonious dish that captures the essence of homely comfort.
As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, reminiscent of prairie breezes, be prepared for a journey through time and taste. This Hamburger Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary time capsule, preserving the flavors and traditions of the Canadian prairies. Lioness Joan Nielsen’s gift from two decades ago is now yours to savor, share, and create new memories with.
