Cheeseburger Casserole
Cheeseburger Casserole layers sauce, filling, and topping into a hearty baked meal.
About This Recipe
Cheeseburger Casserole is built in layers so the filling, sauce, and topping bake together.
Rest the dish briefly before serving so each portion holds its shape.
Ingredients
- ✓1 tablespoon butter
- ✓1 pound ground beef
- ✓1/2 medium onion, chopped
- ✓2 garlic cloves, minced
- ✓2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ✓2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- ✓1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ✓1 teaspoon salt
- ✓1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ✓1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
- ✓3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- ✓1/2 cup 2% milk
- ✓1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- ✓2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ✓1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- ✓3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Ingredient Notes
- Filling: Cook wet fillings enough so the casserole is not watery.
- Sauce: Use enough sauce to keep the center moist.
- Topping: Add cheese, crumbs, or pastry for texture.
- Resting: Let the casserole settle before slicing.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break the beef into crumbles and cook until no pink remains, five to six minutes.
- 2
Add the garlic, tomato paste, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for one minute longer. Then, stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
- 3
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the pickle relish and 2 cups shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheese on top of the casserole. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about five minutes longer.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Drain watery fillings before layering.
- Spread sauce evenly.
- Cover if the top browns too quickly.
- Rest before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herb finish: Add parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or chives.
- Spicier version: Increase chili, cayenne, black pepper, or hot sauce.
- Saucy version: Serve with gravy, salsa, pan sauce, or yogurt sauce.
- Meal prep: Use leftovers in bowls, wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Casserole
Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with a green salad, steamed vegetables, pickles, or simple bread.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat covered with a splash of water, broth, or sauce to restore moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watery filling: Extra moisture can make the center loose.
- Uneven layers: Uneven layers bake and serve poorly.
- Overbrowned top: Cover loosely if the top browns too fast.
- No rest time: Resting helps slices hold together.
FAQ
Can I make Cheeseburger Casserole ahead?
Yes. Reheat with a little extra liquid or sauce if needed.
How do I avoid mushy texture?
Stop cooking when just tender and let carryover heat finish the job.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes, as long as extra moisture is controlled.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered with a splash of liquid to restore moisture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 540 calories
- Carbohydrates: 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars
- Cholesterol: 84mg cholesterol
- Fiber: 4g fiber)
- Protein: 30g protein.
- Sodium: 988mg sodium
- Fat: 24g fat (12g saturated fat)