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This Cheeseburger Casserole represents the perfect weeknight dinner because it unites the flavors of cheeseburgers with baked pasta comfort. The dish is both comforting and simple to prepare with pantry items , which suits families who need quick comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Family Favorite: The casserole version of a cheeseburger remains an irresistible treat.
- One Dish Wonder: Easy cleanup, even easier leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans of tomato soup (10.75 oz each)
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Jack, or your favorite blend)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, helps with creaminess)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Shells: Use boiling salted water to prepare the pasta according to package directions. Before draining the pasta water, save ½ cup of it.
2. Brown the Beef: Use a large skillet to cook the ground beef at medium heat until it reaches a complete brownness. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Mix It Up: A large bowl or pot requires mixing cooked pasta shells with ground beef and both cans of tomato soup and half the cheese amount (1½ cups). Add some of the reserved pasta water if the mixture feels too thick.
4. Assemble & Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13” baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake: Bake the dish covered with foil at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover the dish to bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese reaches a bubbly, golden brown state.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. A side salad or pickles should accompany this dish to create the full cheeseburger experience.
Tips & Tricks
- Want more flavor? The beef mixture requires diced onions and either mustard or ketchup added to it.
- Like it spicy? The beef mixture benefits from the addition of diced jalapeños or hot sauce drizzles.
- Meat swap: Ground turkey or plant-based ground meat works just as well.
- Cheese matters: The type of cheese makes a difference since cheddar offers traditional cheeseburger taste, but mozzarella adds a gooier texture. Use what you love!
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cover the assembled dish, then refrigerate it for later use. When you bake it, you need to extend the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Casserole?
Absolutely. The dish needs to be completely cooled before you can freeze it into portions. To reheat, you can either use the oven or the microwave.
3. What goes with this casserole?
A basic green salad paired with garlic bread and potato wedges will turn this meal into a complete diner-style dining experience.
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