Cheeseburger Casserole
All the juicy, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger baked into one easy, cheesy pasta casserole. A perfect weeknight comfort food dinner the whole family will love, ready in under an hour.
For 6 servings
8 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Cook the pasta
- a.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then the elbow macaroni. Cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, brown the beef
- a.In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Carefully drain off all excess grease.
- 4
Add the aromatics
- a.Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Create the sauce
- a.Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
Combine the casserole components
- a.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated.
- 7
Assemble and bake
- a.Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped dill pickles.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a gritty texture.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta initially. It will continue to cook in the oven, and starting with slightly undercooked pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 3Thoroughly draining the fat from the ground beef is crucial to avoid a greasy casserole.
- 4Letting the casserole rest after baking is important. It allows the sauce to set, making it easier to serve clean portions.
- 5For an extra cheeseburger touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the cheese before baking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Bacon Cheeseburger
Crumble 6-8 strips of cooked bacon and stir it into the beef mixture along with the pasta for a smoky, savory addition.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the onion for a spicy kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Low Carb/KetoLow-Carb/Keto
Substitute the macaroni with steamed cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version. Ensure your ketchup and other sauces are sugar-free.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
This recipe works well with ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Incorporate finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even riced cauliflower into the beef and onion mixture to boost the vegetable content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the pasta offer a readily available source of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Rich in Calcium
With ample cheese and sour cream, this dish is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
As a classic comfort food, this casserole is rich and indulgent rather than being a health food. It's high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, you can make it healthier by using lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.