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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup pickles, diced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup macaroni pasta - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish When making cheeseburger casserole, each ingredient plays a key role. Ground beef gives it that hearty base. The onion and garlic add a nice flavor. Cherry tomatoes and pickles bring freshness and a bit of zest. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Macaroni pasta acts as a comforting filler. Beef broth ties everything together, making it rich and savory. Worcestershire sauce and mustard add an extra punch. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It makes the dish look pretty and adds a touch of brightness. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the process smooth and fun. Plus, you can get the kids involved in measuring or mixing. Enjoy the family time as much as the meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. 2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. 3. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat if you see it. 1. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of macaroni and 2 cups of beef broth. Bring this to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes. The pasta should be tender when done. 2. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced pickles, and half of the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. This adds great flavor. 3. Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 1. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. This will give it a nice cheesy crust. 2. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. 3. After baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. - Choosing the right ground beef I prefer using 80/20 ground beef. This mix has enough fat for flavor, yet it keeps the dish moist. If you choose leaner beef, the casserole might come out dry. - Ensuring even cheese melting Spread the cheese evenly across the top. This helps it melt uniformly. You can also mix some cheese into the casserole before baking for extra flavor. - Preventing overcooked pasta Cook the macaroni just until it's tender but still firm. This way, it won’t turn mushy in the oven. Remember, it will cook more while baking. - Accompanying side dishes Serve your casserole with a fresh garden salad or steamed veggies. The crunch complements the creamy casserole well. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. - Creative toppings ideas Try adding crispy bacon bits or jalapeños for a kick. Even crushed potato chips can add a fun crunch on top. Experiment with your favorite flavors! - Garnishing with fresh parsley A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens the dish and makes it look appealing. Just chop a little and scatter it on top before serving. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the casserole while still maintaining flavor. Mix Up the Cheeses: For a more complex flavor, try combining cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily make this cheeseburger casserole your own. Here are some simple swaps: - Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change lowers the fat and adds a lighter taste. - Vegan cheese options: If you want a plant-based dish, use vegan cheese. It melts well and still tastes great. - Adding vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Bell peppers or spinach work well and add color and crunch. Want to try different cooking methods? Here are a couple of ideas: - Slow cooker version: For a slow cooker, brown the beef on the stove first. Then, add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. - Instant Pot adaptation: Use an Instant Pot for a quick meal. Sauté the beef and veggies, then add broth and pasta. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. You can change the flavors to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Southwest style cheeseburger casserole: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a zesty twist. Top with jalapeños for some heat. - Italian-inspired variations: Mix in Italian sausage, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Use mozzarella cheese for a delicious Italian flavor. These variations make your cheeseburger casserole exciting and new every time! To store your leftover cheeseburger casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It will last in the fridge for about three to four days. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help preserve taste and texture. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with food. You can freeze cheeseburger casserole for up to three months. First, cool the casserole completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the flavors and texture nice. Enjoy your delicious meal again! How long does cheeseburger casserole last in the fridge? Cheeseburger casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. Can I make cheeseburger casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick meal. What can I substitute for macaroni? You can use small shells or penne pasta as a substitute. Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb option too. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it. How do I adjust serving sizes for larger families? To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time if needed. This casserole offers a tasty and easy meal option. We covered the main ingredients, like ground beef, cheese, and veggies. I shared simple steps for prep and cooking, along with helpful tips to make it shine. Variations let you explore different flavors, and I explained storage and reheating for leftovers. Whether you follow the original recipe or make it your own, I hope you enjoy every bite. This dish is perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Get cooking and have fun!

Cheeseburger Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup pickles, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • In a large pot, combine the macaroni and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, pickles, and half of the cheddar cheese into the beef mixture.
  • Transfer the beef and macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  • Top with the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients.
Keyword casserole, cheeseburger, comfort food, pasta