Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite You Can Whip Up in No Time

If you're a fan of cheeseburgers and crave something comforting yet easy to make, this Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a game-changer. Imagine all the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, onions, bell peppers, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning—baked into a hearty, cheesy casserole. With a delightful blend of pasta, beef, and vegetables, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first stumbled upon this delicious recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and I've been hooked ever since. It quickly became a staple in my household, especially on busy weeknights when we need something filling and flavorful but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

A Fun Twist on Classic Cheeseburgers
The beauty of this casserole is in its versatility. While it delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, it takes on a new life as a baked dish. Plus, it's incredibly family-friendly! The macaroni absorbs all the savory juices, and the melted cheese on top makes every bite gooey and satisfying.

Cultural Origins and Fun Facts
Did you know that the cheeseburger, a staple of American cuisine, was invented in the 1920s? This casserole takes that beloved dish and transforms it into a warm, comforting meal with global influences like Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. It's a perfect example of how classic American comfort food can evolve into something new yet still incredibly familiar.

Recipe Instructions

Let’s break down how you can make this easy cheeseburger casserole at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups dried elbow macaroni
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen works great!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and green bell pepper for 3-5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, stir in the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the Pasta: Raise the heat to medium-high, then add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, then let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the pasta is tender.
5. Add the Extras: Mix in the frozen corn kernels and sour cream (if using) to enhance the flavor and creaminess.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer half of the beef and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the remaining cheese.
7. Bake: Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Then, serve and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Don't skip the resting time! Allowing the casserole to cool slightly makes the texture perfect for serving, as it allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.

Variations and Pairings:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add extra chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Perfect Pairings: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables. If you're feeling indulgent, serve it alongside garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cheeseburger Casserole as much as I do! It’s a delightful mix of classic flavors with a twist, perfect for any busy evening or family gathering. If you loved this recipe, feel free to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out, or share it with friends who need a go-to comfort dish. Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more delicious recipes like this one!