Description
This hearty cheeseburger casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy pasta bake. With savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and tender macaroni in a rich tomato and sour cream sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
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 dried large elbow macaroni
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the beef bouillon broth by microwaving the water with the bouillon cubes for about 4 minutes, or until the cubes are fully dissolved.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the diced onion, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Mix well.
Add the elbow macaroni and the prepared beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream and whole milk to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
Spoon half of the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Add the remaining beef mixture on top, followed by the rest of the shredded cheeses.
Bake uncovered for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
Notes
Feel free to swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add chopped pickles or drizzle with ketchup before serving to enhance the cheeseburger theme. This casserole makes great leftovers and freezes well.