Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, one-pan meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy pasta bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dry parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt
• Ground pepper to taste
• 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• ¾ cup milk (at room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, at room temperature; divided: 1 cup stirred in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, minced garlic, dry parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground pepper until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed before continuing.
2. Step 2: Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and stir until fully combined with the beef mixture.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, add the elbow macaroni, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping.
4. Step 4: Uncover the skillet and stir in the room-temperature milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The casserole should become thick and creamy. If it looks too watery, continue simmering uncovered for 1–2 more minutes.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover, and heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve warm by scooping into bowls.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onion for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use room-temperature dairy products to help the casserole become smooth and creamy without curdling.
• Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a little spicy kick.
• For added veggies, stir in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the initial cooking of beef and onions.
• If you prefer a less spicy dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to revive creaminess. Avoid freezing as the texture of the casserole may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with small shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time if needed and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the topping cheese. Refrigerate it covered, then add the cheese topping and heat through before serving.

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This comforting Cheeseburger Casserole combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy one-pan meal. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and seasonings, then simmered with elbow macaroni in savory beef broth. The dish is creamy and cheesy, finished with melted cheddar on top and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, making it an easy, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasonings

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dry parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt
• Ground pepper to taste

Flavor Enhancers

• 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 16 oz elbow macaroni

Dairy

• ¾ cup milk (at room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided: 1 cup stirred in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: 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 until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Simmer Macaroni in Beef Broth: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping together.
4. Mix in Dairy Ingredients and Cheese: Uncover the skillet and stir in the room-temperature milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the casserole reaches a thick and creamy consistency. If it appears too watery, simmer uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
5. Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and heat for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.

Notes

• Using room-temperature milk, sour cream, and cheese helps create a smoother, creamier casserole.
• Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents it from sticking or clumping together.
• Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms during the initial beef cooking step for added nutrition.
• For a spicier variation, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add a dash of hot sauce.
• This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diets.

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, easy weeknight dinner, one pan meal