Description
Comfort meets classic American cheeseburger casserole in this hearty one-pan wonder that brings diner nostalgia straight to your dinner table. Layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a crispy top, this dish promises a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
Dairy and Pasta:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Heat the oven to create a warm culinary environment at 375°F for optimal baking results.
- Prepare macaroni in boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Select a spacious skillet and brown ground beef alongside finely chopped onions and minced garlic, ensuring meat is fully cooked and vegetables are translucent.
- Enhance the meat mixture by introducing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tangy mustard, and seasonings, allowing flavors to meld during a gentle 10-minute simmer.
- Carefully blend the cooked pasta with the robust beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
- Transfer the combined mixture into a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown for the casserole.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and appetizing golden-brown cheese topping.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving the hearty, flavor-packed cheeseburger casserole to eager diners.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier versions of the casserole.
- Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Add crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking to create a delightful crunchy layer that complements the creamy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg