Hey there, friends!
Craving a comforting meal that the whole family will love? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my cheesy cheeseburger casserole.
It’s packed with all the flavors you love in a classic cheeseburger, and it just takes one dish to make!
Super easy, super cheesy, and totally satisfying—what’s not to love?
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for more flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced for best flavor)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock (like Swanson’s)
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1.5 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (I use Birds Eye)
- 1 tsp chili seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion (chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 12 oz uncooked macaroni
- 1 celery stalk (chopped)
- 1 small carrot (diced finely)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For topping and garnish:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 green onion (sliced thinly, for garnish)
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Begin by heating oil in a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add chopped onions and minced garlic.
Cook for about 1 minute until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Next, add chopped celery and carrot to the skillet.
Allow them to cook for approximately 3 minutes until they are softened.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Increase the heat to high before adding the ground beef to the skillet.
As the beef cooks, break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure it’s in small pieces.
Continue cooking until all the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Once the beef is browned, add the remaining ingredients to the skillet, except for the cheese.
Stir everything together to combine.
Add macaroni to the mixture and stir again.
Reduce the heat to medium or medium low so that the mixture is simmering gently.
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook for about 8 minutes.
The pasta should be just about cooked through and the mixture should remain nice and saucy.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
After the pasta has cooked for 8 minutes, add cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir it into the mixture.
Then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the skillet again and cook for a further 2 minutes, allowing the mozzarella cheese to melt and become gooey.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the stove.
Check that the pasta is cooked to your preference—tender but firm, and slick with sauce, not dried out.
Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy pasta delight!
