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How to Make the Best Cheeseburger Casserole: A Comforting Classic

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/how-to-make-the-best-cheeseburger-casserole-a-comforting-classic/