Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a hearty casserole? Look no further! This Cheeseburger Casserole is about to become your new family favorite, delivering all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a burger in a single, easy-to-make dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that's both comforting and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onions together, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture using a colander, then return the mixture to the skillet.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked pasta as the bottom layer, then spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped pickles and serve hot.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly and provides a richer taste.
- Don't overcook the ground beef - aim for just browned to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef and use low-fat cheese.
- Serve with a side of crisp salad or pickles to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
