If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the best of a cheeseburger and pasta, then this cheeseburger casserole is the answer. This dish is a hearty, cheesy pasta bake made with ground beef, onions, and a mix of savory seasonings, all baked with gooey melted cheese for a truly delicious family meal. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is quick to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This cheeseburger casserole brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table in a new and exciting way. Packed with pasta, beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a savory and filling meal that’s both comforting and delicious. The addition of tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings adds depth to the dish, while the melted cheese on top creates the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a small gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
For this hearty cheeseburger casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients to bring it all together. These ingredients are easy to find and will give you that classic cheeseburger flavor you love, paired with pasta for extra heartiness.
Start with one pound of lean ground beef, the main protein for this dish, providing the hearty base. Next, finely dice a medium onion for flavor and texture. Season the beef with one teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of ground black pepper. Garlic is essential to bring in a savory depth of flavor, so use two teaspoons of minced garlic. For the right balance of Italian flavor, you’ll need one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with garlic powder for an extra punch. A half teaspoon of chili powder adds a little warmth and depth to the dish. The Worcestershire sauce will give the casserole its signature rich, savory flavor, while tomato paste and petite diced tomatoes contribute tanginess and body.
For the pasta component, you’ll need two cups of dried elbow macaroni, which will cook directly in the casserole, absorbing all the rich flavors from the beef and broth. To create a creamy, rich texture, mix in one cup of sour cream and a quarter cup of whole milk. The cheese blend is the star of this dish, with one and a half cups each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese adding the gooey, melty texture that makes casseroles irresistible. Lastly, top it all off with one tablespoon of dried parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the beef bouillon broth by microwaving two cups of water with the beef bouillon cubes for about four minutes, or until the cubes have dissolved into the water. This flavorful broth will be added to the casserole later to help cook the pasta.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the beef, then add the diced onion, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir the mixture and cook for a few minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and petite diced tomatoes. Then, add the elbow macaroni and the prepared beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta becomes tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and whole milk, creating a creamy base for the casserole. Transfer half of the beef and pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. Add the remaining beef mixture and top it with the rest of the cheese.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with dried parsley for a finishing touch.
Tips
For a smoother and creamier texture, make sure to stir in the sour cream and milk thoroughly after cooking the pasta and beef mixture. This will help ensure that the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
To make the casserole even more flavorful, feel free to add a handful of cooked bacon bits or some diced bell peppers to the beef mixture. These additions will bring extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Be sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole, which can make it too watery.
Serving Suggestions
Cheeseburger casserole is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole, helping balance the flavors. You can also serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal. For a bit of crunch, a side of crispy oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries would complement the casserole’s cheesy, savory flavors.
Storage
Leftovers of this cheeseburger casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Conclusion
This cheeseburger casserole is the perfect weeknight meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta. With its hearty beef filling, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking. Whether served for dinner, meal prepping, or as leftovers, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your cravings.
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Cheeseburger Casserole: Hearty Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
Description
A hearty and cheesy pasta bake that combines ground beef, savory seasonings, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Microwave the water and beef bouillon cubes for 4 minutes to create broth.
2️⃣ Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain the excess grease.
3️⃣ Add the onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder to the beef and cook until the onion softens.
4️⃣ Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.
5️⃣ Add elbow macaroni and beef broth, then simmer covered for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
6️⃣ Stir in sour cream and milk until smooth.
7️⃣ Layer half of the beef mixture in a 9×13 baking dish, top with half the shredded cheeses. Repeat with remaining beef and cheese.
8️⃣ Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley before serving