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Ultimate Cheesy Classic American Cheeseburger Casserole

Ultimate Cheesy Classic American Cheeseburger Casserole - featured image
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A nostalgic and comforting casserole combining juicy ground beef, melty sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and elbow macaroni, baked to a golden bubbly perfection. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, panko recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onion softens, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder. Cook for about 2 minutes until smooth and nutty-smelling.
  7. Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring until sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. In a large bowl, fold together cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce until evenly combined.
  10. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  11. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
  12. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasy casserole.’, ‘Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.’, ‘Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and melt.’, ‘Whisk roux constantly to avoid lumps in cheese sauce.’, ‘Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch; mix with melted butter for extra crispness.’, ‘Rest casserole 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.’, ‘Can prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if cold.’, ‘Freeze assembled casserole before baking for up to 2 months.’]

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/ultimate-cheesy-classic-american-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe-easy-and-delicious/