Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food recipe that combines tender macaroni pasta with a savory ground beef and cheese sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers classic cheeseburger flavors in a warm, hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz dry macaroni (about 4 cups cooked)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups finely chopped onion (from 1 large onion)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (from 3 large cloves)
Seasonings
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Other
- 1 (5.5 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided use
Instructions
- Prep Steps: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions or until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: While the macaroni cooks, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until beef is fully cooked and onions are soft.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook until it darkens slightly and becomes toasty in aroma. Pour in the beef broth, stir to combine, and simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth. Turn off the burner and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble and Bake: Stir the cooked macaroni into the beef mixture and transfer everything into a 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just beginning to brown.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner variation.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the cayenne pepper slightly but be cautious not to overpower the dish.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cream cheese.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Using freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded options due to anti-caking agents in store-bought shredded cheese.
Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/
