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This cheeseburger casserole transforms America's favorite sandwich into a comforting one-pot meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike. The creamy cheese sauce, savory beef, and tender pasta create the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you're craving those classic burger flavors without all the fuss.
I first created this recipe when my son was going through a picky eating phase. He refused traditional burgers but devoured this casserole version. It's now our Thursday night tradition when everyone's energy is running low but we still want something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides the classic burger flavor use 80/20 for more flavor or lean beef for a lighter option
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth choose firm onions with no soft spots
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates that authentic burger taste freshly grated melts much better than pre shredded
- Elbow macaroni: Holds the sauce perfectly in its curves any short pasta works in a pinch
- Beef broth: Forms the base of our sauce homemade provides richest flavor but boxed works great
- Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor look for double concentrated in a tube for best results
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and tang essential for authentic burger flavor
- Diced tomatoes: Provide texture and acidity fire roasted add extra smokiness
- Granulated garlic: Infuses the dish with garlic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
- Olive oil: For sautéing extra virgin isn't necessary here
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Dice the yellow onion into small uniform pieces about 1/4 inch for even cooking. They should be small enough to blend into the sauce but not disappear completely. Grate the cheddar cheese fresh from the block for the smoothest melting. Pre shredded cheese contains anti caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Brown The Meat Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the onion and ground beef, breaking the meat into small pieces with your spoon. Season with granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened and become translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. The meat should develop some brown caramelized bits for maximum flavor.
- Build The Sauce Base:
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture, stirring constantly for about a minute. The tomato paste will darken slightly as it caramelizes, which concentrates its sweetness and adds depth to your sauce. This brief cooking of the tomato paste removes any tinny flavor and creates rich umami notes.
- Create The Pasta Sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and remaining seasonings. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before adding the pasta. This ensures the liquid is hot enough to start cooking the pasta immediately.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Add the elbow macaroni directly to the boiling liquid and reduce heat to medium. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, especially in the first few minutes. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, becoming tender in about 10 minutes. If needed, add additional broth a little at a time if the pasta absorbs all the liquid before becoming tender.
- Create The Cheesy Finish:
- Remove the pot from heat once the pasta is tender. Immediately stir in most of the cheese until completely melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with remaining cheese and either cover to melt with residual heat or broil for a golden brown crust. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly bubbling around the edges.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the pasta absorbs all those beefy, tomato flavors as it cooks. Unlike traditional mac and cheese where the pasta is boiled separately, this one-pot method infuses every bite with savory goodness. My daughter always asks for "the orange pasta that tastes like burgers," which perfectly describes this family favorite.
Make-Ahead Options
This casserole can be fully prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated before the final cheese topping step. When ready to serve, allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the final cheese layer and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. The flavors actually develop and improve with time, making this an excellent meal prep option.
Creative Variations
Transform this basic recipe with fun burger-inspired add-ins. For a bacon cheeseburger casserole, cook 6 slices of chopped bacon before browning the beef, then use the bacon fat instead of olive oil. For a mushroom swiss version, substitute swiss cheese for cheddar and add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms. Create a southwestern twist by adding a can of drained corn, black beans, and replacing some of the beef broth with enchilada sauce. These variations keep the meal exciting while maintaining the core comfort food appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a true burger experience, offer traditional burger toppings as garnishes including diced pickles, shredded lettuce, and even a drizzle of special sauce. My children enjoy adding additional toppings to their individual portions, making dinner more interactive and fun. For a complete meal that embraces the burger theme, consider offering air fryer sweet potato fries on the side.
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This cheeseburger casserole truly brings the best of both worlds—comfort and convenience—making it a must-have recipe for any busy family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for variety.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty dish for a complete meal.
- → How can I make the top extra crispy?
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.