Description
All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish! This Cheeseburger Casserole is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. A family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 32 oz beef broth (about 4 cups)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 12 oz dried elbow macaroni (about 2 1/2–3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon parsley or scallions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion and shred the cheddar cheese. Gather the remaining ingredients for easy access. - Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking the beef into small pieces, until browned and the onion is tender (6–7 minutes). Season with granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. - Add the Flavor Base
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavors. - Build the Sauce
Pour in 3 1/4 cups of beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and bring to a boil. - Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 10 minutes). Add extra beef broth as needed if the liquid is absorbed too quickly. - Stir in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. - Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 3 minutes until the cheese melts. For a bubbly and browned top, broil uncovered in the oven for 2–3 minutes. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced scallions for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customizable: Add crumbled bacon, crispy fried onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to the cheese topping step, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American