One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal that the whole family will love, then this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is just what you need! This dish combines all the goodness of a cheeseburger with the ease of a one-pot meal. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me on busy weeknights or during family gatherings. It’s so satisfying and packed with flavor that everyone always asks for seconds!

What makes this casserole special is how it brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty meal. Plus, the fact that it’s whipped up in one pot means less time spent cleaning up afterwards—who doesn’t love that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just one pot and simple steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-friendly favorite: Kids and adults alike will be coming back for more—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
• Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it heats up beautifully!
• Flexible ingredients: Feel free to customize based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They’re all wholesome and easy to find, making this recipe approachable for anyone at any cooking level.

For the Casserole

• 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (at room temp. Separated.)
• 1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean)
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• ¾ cup sour cream (at room temp)
• ½ cup whole milk (at room temp)
• Chopped Parsley (to garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by shredding your cheese if it’s not already done. Setting it aside at room temperature makes it easier to melt later on in the cooking process. Trust me, this little step helps everything come together smoothly!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, season your ground beef with salt and pepper. Cook and crumble it along with diced onions until it’s browned. Draining excess grease is essential here; we want to keep our casserole creamy, not greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flavors

Once the beef is cooked through, add minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute. This step releases all those lovely aromas! Then stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth along with uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together before bringing it to a gentle simmer. Covering the pot allows the pasta to cook perfectly without drying out.

Step 5: Incorporate Dairy Goodness

After simmering, reduce heat to low before stirring in room temperature sour cream and half of your milk. This gives the casserole its creamy texture while keeping it rich without being too heavy.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring as you go until it’s melted into your delicious mixture. Top off with remaining cheese before covering again for another couple of minutes—that’s when all that cheesy goodness happens!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving warm. Everyone will be delighted by this comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

Making the perfect One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is easy with a few helpful tips!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your cheese, sour cream, and milk to come to room temperature ensures they melt smoothly into the dish, creating a creamy texture without clumps.
• Cook Ground Beef Thoroughly: Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked and crumbled well. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Stir Regularly: Stirring every few minutes while cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking of the pasta, resulting in a perfectly creamy casserole.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Feel free to add extra seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for an added punch of flavor that suits your taste!
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This casserole reheats well and makes for great lunches or quick dinners later in the week!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

When it comes to serving this delicious casserole, a little presentation goes a long way! Here are some ideas to make your meal feel special.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: These add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the cheeseburger theme beautifully.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little kick, fresh jalapeños provide heat and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adding fresh diced tomatoes not only brightens up the dish visually but also introduces a juicy texture that balances the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy contrast to the cheesiness of the casserole, adding fiber and nutrients.
• Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds freshness to your meal while being quite simple to prepare.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread can soak up any leftover cheesy goodness on your plate. It’s comforting and pairs perfectly with this dish!
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of seasoned roasted vegetables provides a savory component that complements the rich flavors of your cheeseburger casserole.

Enjoy your One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole with these delightful garnishes and sides for an unforgettable meal experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights! You can easily make it ahead of time and have delicious, hearty meals ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool down before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, or even use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a lighter version.

How long does One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it for quick meals throughout the week!

What can I serve with my One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole?

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Can I customize the cheese in my One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings back fond memories while being easy to prepare. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep staple, this recipe is sure to please. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!