Cheeseburger Casserole

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This Cheeseburger Casserole is a great family-friendly meal that will fill tummies and make your kitchen smell great. Similar to my Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe but cheesier (yum)!

Cheeseburger Casserole | Cheesy + Delicious

You might have seen this kind of recipe float around the internet for some time. Well, I made this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe back in 2015 and decided it needed some updating. This recipe is a one-pan, done in 30 minutes from start to finish, type of recipe. Super similar to my Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe but cheesier and a lot better than the boxed stuff. Plus it makes for a great freezer meal, perfect for meal prep! Ok, let’s get into this.

Main Ingredients Needed

This ingredients list is long but I promise you it is so worth it! Everything comes together and in the end, you get a cheesy and tasty meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive Oil – this is used to cook the ground beef and onion. It’s a healthier option than butter and has a higher smoke point.
• Ground Beef + Onion – I used a 93/7 blend of ground beef and yellow onion, but you could just as easily use a white onion or ground turkey for a healthier choice.
• Elbow Macaroni – you can use whatever shape of pasta you’d like (rotini or shells work great), I just kept it classic by using macaroni. Also note that your cooking time with vary based on what type of pasta you use.
• Beef Broth – this helps cook the pasta while still providing that cheeseburger flavor.
• Tomato Sauce – in the original recipe I used crushed tomatoes. This time around I went for a smoother sauce while still maintaining tasty flavor.
• Milk – this also helps cook the pasta while keeping things creamy. I used low-fat but feel free to use whole.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder + Ground Mustard – some seasonings to give it a classic cheeseburger taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce – another flavoring agent, a little goes a long way! Don’t skip out on this one people.
• Salt + Pepper – and don’t forget to season as you go, these make everything better.
• Cheddar Cheese – you can make this as cheesy (or not) as you’d like. I highly suggest using freshly grated cheese as opposed to preshredded cheese. The preshredded stuff is usually covered in starch and doesn’t melt as nicely as the fresh stuff.
• Half & Half – or use heavy cream. This really makes the sauce creamy and dreamy. If you’re really in a pinch you could also use sour cream, just expect a slight tang.
• Parsley – this is a garnish and is optional.

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

For full details on how to make Cheeseburger Casserole, see the recipe card down below 🙂

Cook Ground Beef + Onions

In a skillet with deep sides, heat olive oil. Brown onions and ground beef, breaking apart as it cooks.

Add Other Ingredients

After onions are tender and ground beef is completely cooked, add in macaroni, beef broth, tomato sauce, and milk.

Add in spices, Worcestershire sauce, and plenty of salt and pepper.

Cook Pasta in Sauce

Stir well and cover. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer, stirring every 5 minutes or so to help prevent sticking and scorching.

After about 12 minutes your pasta should be completely cooked through and the sauce mostly absorbed (cooking time varies on the type of pasta you use).

Add Cheese + Half & Half

Finally, stir in half & half and freshly grated cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Top with parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Storing + Reheating Cheeseburger Casserole

You can store any leftover Cheeseburger Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat simply microwave until heated through. This recipe makes a total of 6 servings, so you can enjoy it all week long if you have a small family.

Freezing Instructions

You can also freeze this recipe for up to 3 months! I’d recommend storing it in one of those disposable aluminum baking dishes. Be sure to cover well with a couple of layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Then when you are ready to reheat, pop that sucker into a 350 degree F oven until heated through

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

There are two routes you can go with side dishes for this recipe. Bread or veggies. Here are some recipes that pair well with Cheeseburger Casserole:

More Casserole Recipes to Try!

• Taco Casserole
• Potato Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Leftover Turkey Casserole
• Classic Breakfast Casserole

Voila! A super-delicious family-friendly meal in about 30 minutes. Yum!!!

The printable recipe card is down below. Enjoy, friends!

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Cheeseburger Casserole

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a great family-friendly meal that will fill tummies and make your kitchen smell great.

servings 6 servings

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 pound ground beef 93/7
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups onion diced
• ▢ 1 pound elbow macaroni
• ▢ 3 cups beef broth
• ▢ 8 oz tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 cup low fat milk
• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• ▢ 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• ▢ salt & pepper to taste
• ▢ 1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese or more
• ▢ 3/4 cup half and half or heavy cream
• ▢ chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish optional

Instructions

• In a large skillet with deep sides, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown onions and ground beef, breaking apart as it cooks.
  
• After onions are tender and ground beef is completely cooked, add in macaroni, beef broth, tomato sauce and milk.
  
• Add in spices, Worcestershire sauce and plenty of salt and pepper. Stir well and cover. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer, stirring every 5 minutes or so to help prevent sticking and scorching.
  
• After 12 minutes*, your noodles should be completely cooked through and sauce mostly absorbed.
• Stir in half & half and grated cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  
• Top with parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 838mg | Potassium: 843mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 363IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cheeseburger Casserole