Introduction
Craving the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger but want something easy to prepare? Look no further than the Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish combines all the classic cheeseburger ingredients—ground beef, cheese, and savory seasonings—into a hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the best Cheeseburger Casserole ever.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- Ground beef: 1 pound (lean or regular)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup
- Mustard: 1 tbsp (yellow or Dijon)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Pasta: 8 oz (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
For the Topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups
- Pickles: 1/4 cup, sliced (optional for garnish)
- Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp (optional, for a burger bun effect)
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Incorporate the Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Then, add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Toppings
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Garnishes: If you like, add sliced pickles and sesame seeds over the cheese for extra flavor and a fun burger-themed touch.
5. Bake
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let it Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve Hot: Slice into portions and serve hot. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables.
Helpful Tips
- Choose Your Beef: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Layering Tip: If you prefer a more defined layer of cheese, add half the cheese into the pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining half on top.
Substitutions/Variations
- Pasta: Substitute the pasta with cauliflower florets or zoodles for a lower-carb option.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of several types.
- Sauces: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor, or add a bit of hot sauce for extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole through step 4, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
Absolutely! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Thank you for following along with this ultimate guide to making Cheeseburger Casserole! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, in an easy-to-make and shareable form. Enjoy cooking, and bon appétit!