Description
Midwestern cheeseburger casserole delivers comfort through classic hamburger flavors baked into a hearty pasta dish. Ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta combine for a satisfying meal home cooks and families will savor together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Prepare macaroni following package guidelines, ensuring a tender yet firm texture; drain thoroughly.
- Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until meat browns completely; eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture; allow flavors to meld by simmering for 5 minutes.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the combined meat and pasta mixture.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling appearance.
- Optional: Enhance presentation by sprinkling mozzarella cheese and scattering chopped pickles on top before serving immediately.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
- Customize cheese selection by mixing different types like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique taste profile.
- Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation easier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg