Cheeseburger Casserole
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Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Cheeseburger casserole is a yummy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe combines ground beef, macaroni, and lots of cheese to create a hearty dish your whole family will love. It takes just 25 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.
You’ll love how simple this casserole is to make. Just brown some beef with onions and peppers, add pasta and seasonings, and let it all simmer together. Top it with cheese and pop it in the oven for a few minutes. The result is a warm, gooey, and satisfying meal that tastes like a cheeseburger in casserole form.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty cheeseburger casserole:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and more fun!
Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish. You’ll need these for the final steps of your cheeseburger casserole.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish. Heat oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and bell pepper, cooking for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and stir until you smell its aroma.
Next, add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, mix in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Turn up the heat to medium-high. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and macaroni. Give it a good stir, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir again, cover, and simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Mix in corn and sour cream if you’re using it. Scoop half the mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top, then add the rest of the meat mix. Top with the remaining cheese.
Pop it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before you dig in. Enjoy your tasty cheeseburger casserole!
Possible Substitutes List
Want to switch things up? You can try these easy swaps in your cheeseburger casserole:
• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Diced zucchini or carrots for the bell pepper
• Penne or rotini pasta in place of elbow macaroni
• Vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth
No sour cream? No problem! Greek yogurt works great too.
For the cheese, feel free to use:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Colby
- American
Don’t have Mexican cheese blend? Mix equal parts of any two cheeses above.
Out of chili powder? Try these spices:
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
Can’t find diced tomatoes with herbs? Use plain diced tomatoes and add 1 tsp dried basil and oregano.
Forgot the Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce or steak sauce can work in a pinch.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. These swaps let you use what you have on hand or try new flavors!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this cheeseburger casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can try these easy swaps:
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to lower the fat content. Pick whole wheat macaroni for extra fiber. These small changes can help manage blood sugar levels.
Cut the cheese amount in half to reduce calories and fat. Add more veggies like diced zucchini or spinach for nutrients without extra carbs.
Try these portion tips:
- Serve smaller amounts (1 cup instead of 1.5 cups)
- Fill half your plate with a side salad
- Drink water with your meal
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Original | Diabetes-Friendly |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Lean ground turkey |
| Regular pasta | Whole wheat pasta |
| 2 cups cheese | 1 cup cheese |
| 1.5 cup serving | 1 cup serving |
Remember to check with your doctor about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. Small tweaks can make a big difference in making your favorite dishes work for you!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make this cheeseburger casserole your own! Try swapping ground turkey for beef to cut calories. You can also use different pasta shapes like rotini or penne for fun.
Don’t have Mexican cheese blend? Use cheddar instead. It melts great and tastes yummy too.
For extra flavor, add some mustard or ketchup to the meat mixture. This gives it that classic burger taste.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container.
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Freeze portions for quick future meals. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Short on time? Cook the pasta ahead and store it in the fridge. This cuts down on prep when you’re ready to make the casserole.
For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
