One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
400 grams uncooked elbow macaroni
02 -
450 grams ground beef (85% lean)
03 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
06 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 -
950 milliliters beef broth
08 -
265 grams shredded cheddar cheese, at room temperature, separated
09 -
180 milliliters sour cream, at room temperature
10 -
120 milliliters whole milk, at room temperature
11 -
Salt, to taste
12 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 -
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Shred the cheddar cheese and allow it to reach room temperature for smooth incorporation later.
02 -
Sprinkle ground beef evenly with the desired amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 -
In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the seasoned ground beef with diced onion until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 -
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
05 -
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until well combined with the beef mixture.
06 -
Pour in beef broth and add uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir thoroughly to submerge the pasta.
07 -
Cover the pot and simmer gently over medium or medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir, cover again and continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes more, until pasta is just al dente.
08 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. If a creamier texture is desired, add the remaining milk.
09 -
Gradually sprinkle in 190 grams (approximately 2 ½ cups) of the shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and mixture is creamy and uniform.
10 -
Evenly top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover and heat for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
11 -
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For enhanced flavor, whisk in a teaspoon each of ketchup and yellow mustard with the broth. A touch of dill pickle relish may be stirred in before serving to fully evoke cheeseburger notes.
02 -
Whole milk is suggested for creamier results but lower fat milk can be substituted if preferred.
03 -
For best creaminess and melting, ensure both sour cream and cheese are at room temperature before use.