Homemade Cheeseburger Casserole
Are you looking for a fuss-free meal, easy to prepare and loved by adults and kids alike?
Let your guard down and get ready to succumb to the taste of one of the best casserole recipes! Of course you can work wonders with very few and simple ingredients: beef, pasta, and cheese!
This cheeseburger casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, onions, pasta and lots of cheese. This great looking dish is packed with flavorful and soothing taste and all you need to make it is one pot and a baking dish. (easy ingredients and easy clean up)
Your family will fall heads over heels in love with this recipe!
Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients:
1-pound ground beef (80% lean)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and pepper, according to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cans of Campbell’s tomato soup (or 2 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste)
¼ cup water
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (preferably at room temperature)
1-pound medium size pasta shells
1 ladle pasta water
Parsley for garnish (optional)
Intructions to make a tasty cheeseburger casserole:
Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium size skillet set over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and 1-pound lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into pieces as it cooks. Then add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt, pepper and onion powder.
Cook until the beef is brown and the onion is tender (about 5-6 minutes). Now add the 2 tomato soup cans or 2 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste (from a tube).
Next, add ¼ cup of water.
Stir to combine and bring it to a boil. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
Add in half of the shredded cheese and let that simmer for about 2 minutes.
Choose your favorite baking dish, then spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine together the pasta shells and the sauce.
Add the mixture to your baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Finally, cover your casserole dish and bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Lastly, sprinkle some dried parsley on top of your cheeseburger casserole and ENJOY!
Like any casserole, this cheeseburger casserole recipe can be modified to match everyone’s taste. Feel free to try out different ingredients and spices; after all, cooking is a journey and it’s meant to be fun, exciting and full of discovery.
Cheeseburger Casserole – Exceptional flavors in a cheeseburger alternative!
This mouthwatering recipe is made with easy and simple ingredients available in every pantry. You can prep this recipe ahead of time, which makes it the perfect last minute meal idea for any lunch or busy weeknight dinner. Serve it alone or pair with sides of your liking.
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Ground beef substitute: I use lean ground beef for this cheeseburger casserole for less fat and calories. You can swap beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also skip the meat altogether or use a plant-based alternative.
Storage: Store your leftovers in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator. It remains good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze your leftovers up to 3 months.
Best pasta for this recipe: Even though Macaroni is the most used pasta for this cheeseburger casserole, you can certainly choose what works best for you. I personally prefer to use medium sized shells for this recipe.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Using pre-packaged shredded cheese will work just fine for this recipe; however, freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better.
To prep ahead: If you prefer to spend even less time making this recipe, prepare the meet and sauce mixture ahead of time (as instructed above). Cook your pasta as well. Place your beef and pasta in separate containers in the fridge. Keep your shredded cheese separate as well.
Reheat your beef mixture, combine with the cooked pasta and cheese, transfer to your favorite casserole dish, bake, top with some parsley and serve!
What can I serve with this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe?
Any casserole dish can be proudly served as a complete meal on your dinner table. Skip all sides and enjoy this cheeseburger casserole as a main course.
If you prefer to add some side dishes to complement your dish; I think some homemade garlic bread is the classic way to go. It’s easy and simple to make and guaranteed to please everyone. You could also serve your casserole with some creamy mashed potatoes.
For other healthier options, pair your dish with a fresh and bright green salad, or some colorful and tasty roasted vegetables.
Homemade Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1- pound ground beef 80% lean
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper according to taste
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans of Campbell’s tomato soup or 2 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided (preferably at room temperature)
- 1- pound medium size pasta shells
- 1 ladle pasta water
- Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium size skillet set over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion and 1-pound lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into pieces as it cooks. Cook until the beef is brown and the onion is tender (about 5-6 minutes)
- Drain any excess grease, then add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt, pepper and onion powder.
- Now add the 2 tomato soup cans or 2 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste (from a tube)
- Next, add ¼ cup of water.
- Stir to combine and bring it to a boil. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
- Add in half of the shredded cheese and let that simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Choose your favorite baking dish, then spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine together the pasta shells and the sauce.
- Add the mixture to your baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Finally, cover your casserole dish and bake until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Lastly, sprinkle some dried parsley on top of your cheeseburger casserole and ENJOY!
