Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cheeseburger casserole, where the savory goodness of ground beef meets the creamy embrace of melted cheese and tender pasta. This dish is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a quick, satisfying meal that evokes memories of backyard barbecues. With its golden cheese topping and customizable ingredients, this casserole will impress both kids and adults alike. Gather your loved ones around the dinner table for a heartwarming experience that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked macaroni, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or add favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.