Ever craved the savory goodness of a cheeseburger but wanted to switch things up? Enter the Cheeseburger Casserole—a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for those nights when you need a quick, hearty meal that the whole family will love. With layers of cheesy goodness and flavorful ground beef, this casserole is bound to become a favorite at your table, just like it has at mine!
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Cheeseburger Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 300 g 10 oz pasta
- 500 g 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup full-fat cream
- ½ cup pasta water
- 6 slices processed cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Boil elbow (or any of your favorite type of pasta) in a large pot of salted water half the time that is listed in the instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.300 g 10 oz pasta
- In a large pan saute onions in some olive oil for 5 minutes. Add minced beef and cook for 10 minutes more or until brown. Drain excess liquid. Season the meat with salt, pepper, chili, oregano, cumin and paprika, cook for 1 minute, then add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.500 g 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ onion, 2 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 garlic cloves
- Pour tomato sauce and cream into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes. Melt in pieces of processed cheese and stir in the pasta followed by pasta water.½ cup tomato sauce, 1 cup full-fat cream, ½ cup pasta water, 6 slices processed cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoon butter
- Finally transfer the casserole mix into the baking pan and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.1 cup sharp cheese
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta
- 500 g (1 pound) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup full-fat cream
- ½ cup pasta water
- 6 slices processed cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheese, shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Boil elbow (or any of your favorite type of pasta) in a large pot of salted water half the time that is listed in the instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
In a large pan saute onions in some olive oil for 5 minutes. Add minced beef and cook for 10 minutes more or until brown. Drain excess liquid. Season the meat with salt, pepper, chili, oregano, cumin and paprika, cook for 1 minute, then add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour tomato sauce and cream into the pan. Cook for 5 minutes. Melt in pieces of processed cheese and stir in the pasta followed by pasta water.
Finally transfer the casserole mix into the baking pan and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
A Cheeseburger Casserole is a meal on its own, but adding a few sides can elevate the dining experience.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp, fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing. The lightness of the salad balances the hearty casserole, making for a well-rounded meal.
Garlic Bread
Nothing pairs better with a cheesy casserole than a piece of warm, buttery garlic bread. The crunchy exterior and soft, garlicky interior make it the perfect partner for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
Steamed Vegetables
For a healthier option, consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. These veggies add color and nutrients to your meal, making it more balanced and nutritious.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Use Quality Cheese
The quality of cheese can make or break your casserole. Opt for sharp cheddar and processed cheese slices to achieve that gooey, melty texture that everyone loves.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the pasta only halfway through as it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures that your pasta remains al dente and doesn’t turn mushy.
Season Generously
Season your ground beef well with spices like oregano, chili flakes, paprika, and cumin. These spices add depth and richness to the dish, making each bite flavorful and aromatic.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it until it's heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I Freeze the Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze. When you're ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's thoroughly heated.
What Type of Pasta is Best?
Elbow pasta works great, but you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. They all hold the sauce well and provide a nice texture.
How Long Should I Bake the Casserole?
Bake the Cheeseburger Casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you've prepared it ahead of time and it's cold from the refrigerator, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! This casserole is quite versatile. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a hint of barbecue sauce for a unique twist. You can also substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You may want to cover it with foil if heating in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If your family enjoyed the Cheeseburger Casserole, they'll be eager to explore more delightful and kid-friendly options. Casseroles are an ideal way to introduce a variety of flavors and textures to your meals, all while keeping the cooking simple and convenient. Check out some of my family's favorites:
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