Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a cheeseburger but short on time? Or maybe you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than the cheeseburger casserole! This dish takes all the delicious elements of a classic cheeseburger – savory ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings – and transforms them into a comforting and convenient casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing meal.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger flavor or want to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food!

## Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in casserole form.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Comfort Food:** This casserole is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
* **Great for Leftovers:** It tastes just as good (or even better!) the next day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable cheeseburger casserole:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound, lean ground beef is recommended, but you can use any ground meat you prefer (turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative).
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
* **Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Yellow mustard is classic, but Dijon or spicy brown mustard can also be used.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Ketchup:** 1/2 cup. Provides sweetness and tang.
* **Beef Broth:** 1/2 cup. Helps to keep the meat mixture moist.
* **Elbow Macaroni:** 1 pound, cooked according to package directions. You can also use other pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups. Or a blend of your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
* **Toppings:** (Optional) Pickles, lettuce, tomato, bacon bits, fried onions, sesame seeds, burger sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Colander
* Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect cheeseburger casserole:

**1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
* Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Stir in the tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
* Pour in the ketchup and beef broth and bring to a simmer.
* Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

**2. Cook the Pasta:**

* While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Cook until al dente.
* Drain the pasta well and set aside.

**3. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

**4. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

**5. Add Toppings and Serve:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, tomato, bacon bits, and burger sauce.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole. Cook it al dente (slightly firm to the bite) for the best texture.
* **Use Lean Ground Beef:** This will help to reduce the amount of grease in the casserole. If you use regular ground beef, be sure to drain off all excess grease after browning.
* **Don’t Skimp on the Cheese:** The cheese is what makes this casserole so delicious! Use a generous amount of shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* **Customize the Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite cheeseburger fixings to make the casserole your own.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Variations and Customizations

This cheeseburger casserole recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different variations and customizations to create your own unique version.

* **Add Vegetables:** Mix in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Try using Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Add Bacon:** Crispy bacon bits add a smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or thousand island dressing.
* **Add Cream Cheese:** Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the meat sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
* **Mexican Cheeseburger Casserole:** Add taco seasoning to the ground beef, use salsa instead of ketchup, and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
* **Pizza Cheeseburger Casserole:** Add pepperoni to the ground beef, use marinara sauce instead of ketchup, and top with mozzarella cheese.
* **Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Casserole:** Add bacon bits to the ground beef and use ranch dressing instead of ketchup.

## Serving Suggestions

This cheeseburger casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with your favorite dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the casserole.
* **French Fries:** If you’re feeling indulgent, serve the casserole with a side of crispy French fries.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Storage:** Store leftover cheeseburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cheeseburger casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Toppings: Pickles, lettuce, tomato, bacon bits, etc. (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Pour in ketchup and beef broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
8. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and meat sauce. Stir well.
9. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious Cheeseburger Casserole! This recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Feel free to adapt and customize to your liking. Happy cooking!