Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for Easy Cheeseburger Casserole! If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, then you’ve come to the right place. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. With its layers of ground beef, cheese, and pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So let’s get started and dive into this cheesy and flavorful dish!

Ingredients

For the casserole:

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 small onion, diced

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

– 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce

– 1/4 cup ketchup

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Steps

Step 1: Cook the ground beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.

Step 2: Season the beef

Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the macaroni. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni and ground beef mixture.

Step 6: Bake the casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations

This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Veggie Delight:

If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with your favorite meat substitute or a medley of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

2. Bacon Lovers:

For an extra indulgent twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the ground beef mixture. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the cheeseburger theme.

3. Spicy Kick:

If you like your cheeseburgers with a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

Tips

– Feel free to use any type of shredded cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of different cheeses would all work well in this casserole.

– If you want to add some extra veggies to your dish, you can mix in some frozen peas, corn, or spinach with the ground beef mixture.

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger lovers rejoice! This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a simple and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one comforting dish. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients and get ready to dig into a cheesy and flavorful feast!

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent any drying out.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When reheating, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking it in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for cheeseburger casserole, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Rotini, penne, or even egg noodles would work well in this recipe.

Easy Cheeseburger Casserole

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 110 votes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: easy

Servings

6

Prep time

15 minutes

Cooking time

40 minutes

Calories

480 kcal

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A delicious and comforting casserole that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in every bite. Layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta come together to create a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
2. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the cooked macaroni evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the macaroni. Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni and ground beef mixture.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 480

Fat: 23

Carbohydrates: 40

Protein: 27

Sodium: 910

Fiber: 3

Sugar: 8