Cheeseburger Casserole
All the juicy, cheesy, and savory flavors of a cheeseburger baked into a crowd-pleasing casserole with ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and melty cheese. Quick, easy, and comforting!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 500g (1 lb) – Provides hearty protein and classic burger flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Aromatic base flavor.
- Tomato sauce or passata: 1 cup – Brings acidity and moisture.
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons – Adds sweetness and tang.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon – Deep umami punch.
- Salt & pepper: To taste – Enhances all the flavors.
- Pasta (macaroni or fusilli): 300g – The hearty base that holds it all together.
- Cheddar cheese: 1½–2 cups, grated – For melty, cheesy richness.
- Mozzarella (optional): 1 cup – For extra stretch and gooeyness.
- Pickles (optional): For a fun burger-like finish.
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional): For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
- Mix with Base: Add cooked, drained pasta to the skillet and stir until fully coated.
- Layer in Dish: Add half the beef-pasta mix to baking dish, then half the cheese. Repeat.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil briefly if needed.
- Rest: Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to set.
- Garnish: Top with pickles or herbs if using.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a cheese mix for more depth—cheddar and Monterey Jack pair well.
- Try breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Chill leftovers for easy reheating or freezing.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce if you like heat.
Find it online: https://tastyze.com/cheeseburger-casserole/