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Cozy Cheeseburger Casserole

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A quick and easy comfort food casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, elbow macaroni, and a crispy cheesy topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (180g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (2% works too)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (33g) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup pickles or diced tomatoes
  • For the crispy topping:
  • ½ cup (50g) extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (180g) of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the beef and sauté onions: Heat 2 tablespoons (28g) butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves for the last minute.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour over the beef and onions. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240ml) milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer — the sauce will thicken in about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add flavor: Stir in 2 tablespoons (33g) tomato paste and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. If desired, fold in optional diced tomatoes or pickles for brightness.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese: Reduce heat to low and mix in the cooked pasta. Remove from heat and fold in 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup (100g) mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar, and 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter. Stir until combined.
  7. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to scoop.

Notes

If the sauce feels too thick before baking, add a splash more milk to loosen it. Watch the topping closely during the last 5 minutes of baking; if it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and almond flour instead of panko. Crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips can substitute panko breadcrumbs. Ground turkey can be used instead of beef with added olive oil for moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-crispy-topping-guide/