Description
This hearty Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, cheesy flavor and all the classic elements of a juicy cheeseburger. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. With seasoned beef, tender macaroni, and layers of melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced finely
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the beef bouillon broth by microwaving the water and bouillon cubes together for 4 minutes until dissolved.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine.
Add the dry elbow macaroni to the skillet along with the prepared beef broth. Stir everything together, then cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and whole milk to create a creamy texture.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the beef and pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the layer.
Add the remaining beef mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Garnish with dried parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
For extra cheesiness, you can add more cheese on top or mix in different types like Monterey Jack or Colby. Feel free to customize the seasoning to match your personal taste. This casserole also reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers the next day. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.