This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, hearty casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering, this dish layers ground beef, cheddar cheese, pasta, and a tangy tomato sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a fun and delicious twist on a traditional cheeseburger that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: Pickles, lettuce, and tomato for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with pickles, lettuce, and tomato to give it an authentic cheeseburger flair.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Cheeseburger Casserole!
