Description
Cheeseburger Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dish that layers seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta into a bubbling, golden casserole bursting with classic cheeseburger flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely diced
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), drained
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups, uncooked
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces
- Pickles (optional): 1/2 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then mix it into the skillet with cream cheese and 1 cup cheddar until combined.
- Cook to Perfection: Pour mixture into casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Finishing Touches: Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with pickles if using, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Add pickle juice for an authentic cheeseburger zing.
- Let rest before slicing to keep clean layers.
- Double and freeze one casserole for later.