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Cheeseburger Casserole

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Cheeseburger Casserole is a cozy, cheesy, and savory one-dish meal that combines tender ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and comforting layers of pasta with classic burger flavors. Perfect for quick family dinners, it is easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or batch cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Aromatics

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any small pasta), cooked al dente
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

Sauces and Dairy

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese

Seasonings and Toppings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease thoroughly to avoid a soggy casserole.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, building flavor for the casserole.
  3. Mix in Tomatoes and Sauces: Stir in diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard with the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer briefly to meld the classic burger flavors.
  4. Combine with Pasta and Cream: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream or cream cheese to add creamy richness and moisture to the dish.
  5. Layer and Top with Cheese: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add optional breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, if desired.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.

Notes

  • Drain grease well to prevent a soggy casserole.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for optimal melt and flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after baking.
  • Let casserole rest a few minutes before serving to firm up.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before baking as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, baked pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/cheeseburger-casserole/