Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe ️

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe ️
Looking for a meal that combines the irresistible comfort of a cheeseburger with the hearty goodness of a casserole? This Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to serve something filling and satisfying! With a layer of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy pasta, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients:
To make this cheesy, mouth-watering casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. They come together to create the rich, hearty flavors that will make your taste buds dance!

For the Ground Beef Layer :
1 pound ground beef (you can use lean or regular beef, depending on your preference)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper ️

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup pickles (optional, chopped)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sprinkling on top of the beef layer)

For the Casserole Base ️:
4 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or any favorite pasta works great)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)

For the Topping :
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (to make the casserole gooey and cheesy)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you begin, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating the oven ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and bubbling!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a little bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly browned. Once the beef is cooked, remove any excess fat by draining it.

Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma!

Next, season your beef mixture with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices in, making sure every bite of beef is full of flavor. If you’re a fan of pickles, now’s the time to add them! Stir in the chopped pickles (if you’re using them), which will give the casserole a tangy kick.

Once the seasoning is mixed in, pour in the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend and infuse into the beef. This will give your casserole that irresistible cheeseburger flavor.

Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. Your ground beef layer is ready!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta (I recommend elbow macaroni for the classic casserole look, but feel free to use whatever pasta you love!) . Cook it according to the package instructions, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Pasta is the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s tender but still a bit firm (al dente). This will prevent it from becoming too mushy when it bakes in the casserole.

Step 4: Make the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. This will give your casserole a rich and luscious base.

At this stage, you’re going to want to mix in shredded mozzarella cheese (the more cheese, the better, right?). The mozzarella will add a gooey, melty layer that contrasts perfectly with the savory beef and crispy top layer. Mix everything until it’s perfectly creamy and cheesy!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now that your components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Take a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and start by spreading half of the pasta mixture on the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly so it covers the entire bottom of the dish. ️

Once the pasta layer is evenly spread out, top it with the cooked ground beef mixture. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pasta, making sure every bite will have that flavorful cheeseburger taste.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. This will give the casserole a cheesy, golden top that will melt beautifully when it’s baked.

Then, top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the beef. Don’t forget to sprinkle the final layer with mozzarella cheese to get that gooey, melty goodness on top. You can also add more shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy touch!

Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover your casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the casserole will start to get nice and hot.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil to let the top brown and become crispy. Bake the casserole for an additional 10-15 minutes (uncovered) until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Final Touches
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve, as the cheese will set slightly.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. If you love cheese, you can even add a little more shredded cheddar on top just before serving.

Serving and Enjoying ️
Your Cheeseburger Casserole is now ready to be served! Slice into it and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, beefy goodness. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, crispy fries, or even garlic bread for a truly indulgent meal.

This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and even potlucks. It’s easy to make, comforting, and packed with all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the need for a bun.

Tips and Variations:
Make it Spicy ️
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce over the ground beef mixture. It’s the perfect way to spice things up and take this casserole to the next level!

Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms. These alternatives will still give you the hearty texture and savory flavor, making it perfect for meatless meals.

Add Bacon
If you’re a fan of bacon, add crispy bacon bits to the casserole. You can layer it with the ground beef or sprinkle it on top for that crispy, salty crunch!

Try Different Cheese
While mozzarella and cheddar are the classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring something unique to the table!

Make Ahead ‍
You can easily make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed. Perfect for meal prep!

✨ Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s a dish that will be gone in no time!

Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, comforting casserole. Bon appétit!