If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this Easy Cheeseburger Casserole. This comforting dish is not just simple to prepare but also packed with flavors that remind you of a classic cheeseburger. With its delightful combination of ground beef, cheese, and macaroni, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
This casserole is a one-pot wonder that mixes all the familiar components of a cheeseburger into a hearty bake. The beauty of the Easy Cheeseburger Casserole lies in its versatility. It’s the kind of dish that allows you to use leftovers, incorporate your favorite ingredients, and still deliver a satisfying meal that stretches for multiple servings. Plus, it only takes about 50 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
As an added bonus, this casserole is great for feeding a crowd or batch cooking for the week. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a meal everyone will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Preparation takes just 15 minutes, and cooking time is only 35 minutes!
- Family Favorite: Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger that kids and adults love.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients blended into a single dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or additional ingredients for a personalized touch.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A perfect dish for cooler weather, cozy nights in, or family gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing your kitchen space and tools can make a world of difference when making the Easy Cheeseburger Casserole. Start by gathering a large skillet, which will be essential for browning the beef and onions. A wooden spoon or spatula will help you stir the ingredients seamlessly.
Make sure to have a baking dish handy, ideally around 9×13 inches, to accommodate all the delicious ingredients. Prepping your ingredients beforehand can save you time and streamline the process. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to make the cooking phase even faster. Additionally, have your measuring utensils and a can opener ready for the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped pickles or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and achieve that delightful golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet heated over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to your base. After browning, stir in the minced garlic along with salt, pepper, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Broth
Once the meat is well-cooked and seasoned, add in the can of diced tomatoes (with the juices) and the beef broth. This will create a flavorful sauce for the pasta to absorb, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Incorporate the uncooked elbow macaroni into your skillet, stirring until well combined. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, just until the macaroni starts to soften. This step will allow the macaroni to soak up some of the flavorful liquid and become tender, leading to the perfect casserole texture.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Remove your skillet from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will not only add richness but also create a delicious, gooey layer throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful cheesy top that pulls apart perfectly when served.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. If desired, garnish with chopped pickles or green onions for an extra burst of flavor!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure you taste the mixture before baking; adjust seasoning if necessary for optimal flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this casserole with a side of buttery garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Offer condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and pickles on the side for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
Tips
- To save time, chop your onions and garlic ahead of time and keep them in the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 28 grams
- Sodium: 850 milligrams
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute to create a delicious vegetarian version.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer preservation.
Conclusion
The Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger into an easy-to-make casserole. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. We hope you’ll try this recipe and enjoy it as much as countless others have! If you have any personal twists you’d like to add or feedback on this dish, drop a comment below, and let us know. Happy cooking!
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Easy Cheeseburger Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty bake.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped pickles or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet heated over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard, cooking for another minute.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth, creating a simmering mixture.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, cooking for about 5 minutes until softening.
- Remove from heat, fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 28 g