Description
Cheeseburger casserole is a fusion dish that brings together all the classic components of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and more—into a comforting baked casserole. It features a base of ground beef (or turkey), vegetables, pasta, and a blend of cheeses, all baked together to create a satisfying meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness)
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1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternatives like almond milk)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon, depending on your preference)
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2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work well)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional but adds a nice tangy touch)
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1/4 cup ketchup
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to heat up while you prepare the casserole.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
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Combine the Casserole Ingredients: Stir in the cooked pasta, drained diced tomatoes, pickles (if using), ketchup, and milk. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in about 3/4 of the shredded cheese, leaving the rest for the topping. Allow the cheese to melt into the mixture.
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Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Serve and Garnish: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Notes
This casserole is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for a quick, delicious meal
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe