What ingredients do you need for a cheeseburger casserole?

A traditional cheeseburger casserole calls for lean ground beef, onion, pasta (usually elbow macaroni), beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and plenty of cheddar cheese. Optional add-ins like pickles, mushrooms, or even bacon can add a creative twist.

What is Dolly Parton casserole?

Dolly Parton’s casserole recipes often highlight simple, hearty, and Southern-inspired comfort food. While there isn’t a single “official” Dolly Parton casserole, many associate her with cheesy potato bakes or ground beef casseroles that use pantry staples, much like a cheeseburger casserole recipe.

Why is it called a John Wayne casserole?

The John Wayne casserole got its name after the actor contributed a spicy, Southwestern-style casserole recipe to a charity cookbook. It usually features ground beef, cheese, and layers of peppers and biscuits. While it’s different from a cheeseburger casserole, both share that hearty, layered comfort food appeal.

What is Jackie Kennedy's casserole?

Jackie Kennedy was known for her elegant yet approachable dishes. Her most referenced “casserole” is a chicken and rice variation that leaned toward French-inspired cooking. It doesn’t resemble easy cheeseburger casserole , but it shows how versatile casseroles are across culinary traditions.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a ground beef casserole?

The most frequent errors include overcooking beef, not seasoning in layers, using the wrong pasta-to-liquid ratio, or relying on pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly. Following a tested cheeseburger casserole recipe helps you avoid these pitfalls and guarantees a creamy, flavorful result.

What is in cowboy casserole?

Cowboy casserole is a variation of a ground beef and potato bake topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s a heartier cousin to cheeseburger casserole , often including corn or beans for added bulk. Both dishes deliver that down-home comfort that makes casseroles so loved.

Cheeseburger Casserole: Best Comfort Food Recipe [Easy & Delicious]

Name: Cheeseburger Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 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; 1 (32-ounce) carton beef broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 12 ounces dried elbow macaroni; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or scallion

Description

This Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, one-pot wonder that transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a cheesy pasta bake. With lean ground beef, tender macaroni, rich cheddar cheese, and pantry-friendly seasonings, it’s a comforting dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons tomato paste (double concentrated, if possible)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (32-ounce) carton beef broth, divided
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
12 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 2 1/2–3 cups)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or scallion (optional garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet. Add diced onion and ground beef. Season with garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until beef is browned and onions are tender, about 6–7 minutes.
Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1 minute until paste darkens. Add 3 1/4 cups beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add elbow macaroni. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. If liquid reduces too quickly, add more broth a few tablespoons at a time.
Add the Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Finish the Dish: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover for 3 minutes to melt, or broil 2–3 minutes for a golden crust. Garnish with parsley or scallions before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred fresh cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy. To make it low-carb, skip the pasta and replace with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Stovetop & Broil
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 613
Sugar: 5.5g
Sodium: 972mg
Fat: 33.1g
Saturated Fat: 14.6g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44.9g
Fiber: 3.4g
Protein: 33.5g
Cholesterol: 95mg

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