Description
Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This hearty dish is easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz (340g) dried elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80:20 preferred for flavor)
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato puree
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 9–11 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Season with oregano, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook for 5 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add butter to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and tomato puree, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, parsley, and basil.
- Add 1 ½ cups each of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water for flavorful noodles.
- Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting.
- Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness when baked.
- Add diced pickles or crumbled bacon for a cheeseburger-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American