Cheeseburger Cassarole
Looking for a comforting, kid-approved dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavor? My Cheeseburger Casserole checks all the boxes! It’s a hearty dish made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, tangy tomato sauce, tender pasta noodles, melty shredded cheese, and just the right touch of diced pickles to bring that iconic cheeseburger taste to life.
This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike, and it’s allergy-friendly too, making it perfect for families with dietary needs. Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this dish comes together effortlessly with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’ll make your family ask for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use dairy-free cheese if needed)
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pickles
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Extra ketchup or mustard
Recipe:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or extra condiments like ketchup or mustard for a cheeseburger-inspired twist!
Tips for Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free elbow macaroni.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free shredded cheese option.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the skillet for a nutrition boost.
