This cheesy, savory cheeseburger casserole combines everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into one hearty dish. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, melted cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, this dish brings all the familiar flavors of a burger without the grill!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
Ingredients:
- 300g (10 oz) elbow macaroni or other short pasta
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 240g (1 cup) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15g) mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauce
- 200g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil
- Pickles, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with pickles and fresh parsley for a fun cheeseburger-inspired twist.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, or drain the fat well before adding the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Experiment with toppings: Add bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top before serving for extra cheeseburger flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for a quick and easy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works as a lighter alternative to beef and still delivers great flavor in this casserole.
- Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole? Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- What other cheeses can I use? Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky gouda for a twist on the flavors.
- Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, simply replace the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives and make sure the sauce ingredients are dairy-free as well.
- What side dishes go well with cheeseburger casserole? A simple side salad, steamed veggies, or even a pickle and chips make great accompaniments to this hearty dish.
This cheeseburger casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With its juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, it captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in every bite. Pair it with your favorite toppings, like pickles or fresh veggies, for a fun and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour!