Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe (Print Version)
Comforting and hearty cheeseburger-inspired casserole, perfect for an easy family dinner.
# Ingredients:
01 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (3/4 to 1 cup)
02 -
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1 pound lean ground beef
05 -
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
06 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
07 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
08 -
2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
09 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 -
3 1/4 cups beef broth, plus additional as needed
11 -
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including juices
12 -
12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (2 1/2 to 3 cups)
13 -
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves or 1 thinly sliced scallion (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
If you’d like the casserole to be browned on top, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to broil.
02 -
Dice 1/2 medium yellow onion and grate 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese on the large holes of a box grater.
03 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and ground beef. Break the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
04 -
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the tomato paste darkens in color, about 1 minute.
05 -
Pour in 3 1/4 cups beef broth and add diced tomatoes with their juices, the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
06 -
Add dried elbow macaroni and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it is tender, add additional beef broth a few tablespoons at a time as needed.
07 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed.
08 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top. Cover and let sit until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Alternatively, for a browned top, place the pot in the oven under the broiler uncovered and broil until the cheese is melted and browned, 2 to 3 minutes.