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Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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This Cheeseburger Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one bubbling, oven-baked dish. Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, creamy cheddar cheese, and tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, it’s a weeknight dinner favorite for the whole family.

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef (80/20): 1 pound – juicy and flavorful.
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped – brings depth and sweetness.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – classic aroma.
  • Pasta (elbow or rotini): 12 oz – holds the sauce well.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded – melts like a dream.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup – makes the sauce creamy.
  • Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup – adds richness.
  • Ketchup: 1/4 cup – brings that burger tang.
  • Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon – essential burger zip.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon – umami booster.
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon – smoky warmth.
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste – enhances all the flavors.
  • Optional Toppings: Diced dill pickles, crushed chips, crispy onions, extra cheese.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1–2 more minutes.
  4. Make the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, milk, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cheese.
  5. Assemble: Combine pasta and beef mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve: Rest 5 minutes, then top with pickles or crispy onions if using. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheddar for best melt and flavor.
  • Let casserole rest before serving to hold shape.
  • Customize with bacon, veggies, or spicy additions.