Description
Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings—into one hearty, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy-to-make casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sliced green onion (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your seasonings.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion.
- Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink and the onion turns translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and the tomato paste darken slightly for richer flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour the heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better and prevents a mushy texture.
- Customize Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for extra depth.
- Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for milk.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Inspired