Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-serve casserole format.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dry parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- Ground pepper to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ¾ cup milk (at room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, at room temperature. Divided: 1 cup stirred in, 1 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, dry parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.
- Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until everything is evenly combined, coating the beef mixture with rich flavor.
- Simmer with Broth and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the elbow macaroni. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping together.
- Incorporate Dairy for Creaminess: Remove the lid and stir in the room-temperature milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the casserole reaches a thick, creamy consistency. If it appears too watery, continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover and heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese on top melts completely.
- Serve and Garnish: Scoop the casserole into bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
- Room-temperature dairy products help create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pan meal, macaroni and cheese casserole
Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/
