One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Nothing beats a one pot meal that tastes like a cheeseburger and fills everyone up on a busy weeknight All the cozy flavors of a classic burger are here with melty cheese juicy beef tangy tomato and tender noodles simmered together so every bite is loaded with cheeseburger magic plus it comes together in just half an hour

I made this the first time when my pantry was running low and it became an instant hit with the whole family My husband said it tasted just like his favorite childhood dinner but even better

Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese: brings melty richness and sharp flavor Room temperature cheese melts better so let it sit out before using Freshly shredded cheese is best if you want maximum melt
• Ground beef: 85 percent lean keeps the casserole juicy but not greasy Look for beef with a nice bright red color
• Yellow onion: diced adds natural sweetness and depth Pick small firm onions for best flavor
• Garlic: minced boosts savory aroma and makes the casserole taste homemade Use fresh cloves for best results
• Worcestershire sauce: gives a savory punch One of my favorite pantry staples for beef dishes
• Tomato paste: thickens the sauce and adds tang Look for double concentrated for richer flavor
• Beef broth: provides the base of the sauce Choose low sodium if you want to control salt
• Elbow macaroni: uncooked classic pasta shape that soaks up the sauce Any brand works but avoid overcooking
• Sour cream: at room temp creates creaminess and a touch of tang Use full fat for extra richness
• Whole milk: at room temp balances out the sauce and makes it ultra creamy Look for milk with a creamy white color
• Chopped parsley: for a fresh finish Use flat leaf parsley for best flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Shred the Cheese:

Take your block of cheddar and shred it by hand or with a processor Set it aside and let it come to room temperature This will help your cheese melt smoothly into the sauce later

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Set a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat Add the ground beef with a couple pinches of salt and pepper Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and all the pink is gone Stir in diced onions and continue cooking until they are soft and golden about five minutes Drain off most of the grease but keep a touch for flavor

Add Garlic and Flavor Boosters:

Toss in the minced garlic Stir it in and let it cook for about one minute until fragrant Next add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste Stir well to coat the beef mixture and let everything cook together for another minute

Add Broth and Macaroni:

Pour in the beef broth and add your uncooked macaroni noodles Stir until pasta is well distributed in the pot Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer over medium to medium low heat

Simmer the Pasta:

Cover your pot and cook for five minutes Take off the lid and give everything a stir Replace the cover and cook for another five minutes until the macaroni is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed

Finish with Cream and Cheese:

Reduce heat to low Stir in sour cream and half of the milk mixing gently until smooth Add only as much milk as needed for your preferred sauce thickness

Add Shredded Cheddar:

Sprinkle in about two and a half cups of shredded cheese a little at a time stirring after each addition Let the cheese fully melt and make the sauce silky

Cheesy Topping:

Evenly scatter the remaining cheese over the pasta Place the lid back on the pot and let it sit on low heat for two to three minutes so the cheese gets gooey and melty

Garnish and Serve:

Turn off the heat Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top Dish up while hot so you get all that melty goodness

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Cheddar is my absolute favorite cheese to use in this dish The sharpness really cuts through the creamy sauce and brings a real classic cheeseburger taste One night my daughter decided to top hers with a few crumbled potato chips and now it is our fun family tradition

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool down completely before storing Scoop into airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days To reheat add a splash of milk or broth and microwave in short bursts stirring in between This casserole also freezes well Portion into freezer bags or containers and reheat straight from the freezer for busy nights

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if that is what you have on hand For a meatless option use your favorite plant based ground instead Cheddar is classic but a blend of mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds even more melt If you only have penne or shells for pasta those work too Whole milk makes for the creamiest texture but two percent will also do in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy dressing for balance You can tuck a spoonful into a soft roll for a fun sloppy joe style dinner Some nights I top individual bowls with sliced pickles or a drizzle of prepared mustard to really play up the cheeseburger theme

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A Little Cheeseburger Casserole History

This cozy meal is inspired by the flavors of classic American diners with its mix of ground beef cheese and pasta Like a homemade take on boxed hamburger helper it rose to popularity for being quick hearty and budget friendly It brings nostalgic comfort with every bite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and delivers lighter flavors while keeping the dish hearty.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Monitor the simmering time closely and check the macaroni for al dente texture before adding dairy ingredients.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare until just before topping with cheese, cool, refrigerate, then reheat and finish with cheese in the oven when ready to serve.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.

→ What type of cheese is best for this meal?

Sharp cheddar provides classic cheeseburger flavor, but blends like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used for variety.

→ How do I adjust the consistency?

Add extra milk or broth for a creamier sauce, or let it simmer longer for a thicker result.