Who doesn't love a good cheeseburger? But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one easy-to-make casserole? That's where the Cheeseburger Casserole comes in. As someone who loves a good cheeseburger, I was excited to try out this recipe and see if it lived up to the hype.
It was a busy weekday evening, and I had a hankering for something hearty and comforting. I didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen, but I also didn't want to settle for something boring. That's when I remembered a recipe I had bookmarked for a Cheeseburger Casserole – a one-pot wonder that promised all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a quick and easy dinner.
I quickly gathered the ingredients and got to work, browning the ground beef and layering it with pasta, cheese, and other toppings. As the casserole baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled the house, and I couldn't wait to dig in.
When it was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took my first bite. The combination of beef, pasta, and melted cheese was everything I had hoped for and more – savory, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a delicious meal, and I knew it would be a recipe that I'd come back to time and time again.
Now, whenever I'm in the mood for a cheeseburger but don't want to leave the house, I know exactly what to make – the Cheeseburger Casserole. It's a dish that never fails to satisfy my cravings and always leaves me feeling happy and full.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Beef broth
- Elbow macaroni
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make it:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until coated in the beef mixture.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Store It:
If you have leftovers, you can store the Cheeseburger Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to Refrigerate It:
To refrigerate the Cheeseburger Casserole, let it cool to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the fridge.
How to Reheat It:
To reheat the Cheeseburger Casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Tips to Make it More Delicious:
- Add some diced bacon to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Top with your favorite burger toppings, like pickles, lettuce, and tomato.
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure! You can use any type of pasta you like, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the Cheeseburger Casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven as usual.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for some extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Conclusion:
If you're a fan of cheeseburgers, you won't want to miss out on this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe. It's a one-pot wonder that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and it's sure to satisfy your burger cravings.
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, at room temp. Separated.
- 1 lb. Ground Beef, 85% lean
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ¾ cup sour cream, at room temp
- ½ cup whole milk, at room temp
- Chopped Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Shred the cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temperature when added to the pasta later.
- Season the ground beef with desired amount of salt and pepper.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined.
- Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium/low.
- Cover the pot and heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir briefly, replace the cover, and heat for 5 more minutes, or until just al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the other half if desired.
- Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring as you do so.
- Once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency, top with the remaining cheese.
- Replace the lid and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Top with parsley and serve!
Notes
- Whole milk is recommended for a creamier consistency, but a lower fat milk may also be used.
- A teaspoon of ketchup and yellow mustard can be added when the pasta is cooking to round out the cheeseburger flavors! A touch of dill pickle relish can also be added at the end.
Make-Ahead Method
- If you prefer to to the prep work for this casserole ahead of time, prepare the recipe as-instructed but cook the pasta covered for 7 minutes instead of 8.
- Stop at step #10, right before you top the casserole with additional cheese.
- Let the casserole cool down, then top it with cheese.
- Refrigerate for up to two days, then bake it in a 350 degree oven, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Top with parsley and serve!
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