One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
at room temp. Separated.
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
85% lean
- to tasteSalt/Pepper
- 1 small yellow onion
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 box elbow macaroni
16 oz.
- ¾ cup sour cream
at room temp
- ½ cup whole milk
at room temp
- Chopped Parsley
to garnish
Directions
- 1
Shred the cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temperature when added to the pasta later.
- 2
Season the ground beef with desired amount of salt and pepper.
- 3
In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Drain any excess grease.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 5
Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined.
- 6
Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium/low.
- 7
Cover the pot and heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir briefly, replace the cover, and heat for 5 more minutes, or until just al dente.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low.
- 9
Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the other half if desired.
- 10
Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring as you do so.
- 11
Once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency, top with the remaining cheese.
- 12
Replace the lid and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- 13
Top with parsley and serve!
One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 114 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a childhood favorite but with grown-up ease? This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is your answer, delivering rich, cheesy, meaty goodness all made on the stovetop.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole truly shines because it embraces the beauty of one-pot cooking, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The magic happens as the elbow macaroni cooks directly in a savory beef broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors. It's designed to be a straightforward, homemade alternative to those boxed mixes, yet packed with far superior taste and texture.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly satisfying experience. Each spoonful of this casserole is hearty and comforting, featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. You'll taste the savory depth of ground beef, complemented by aromatic diced yellow onion and minced garlic, all brought together with a tangy kick from Worcestershire sauce and a subtle sweetness from tomato paste. The generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese melts into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible layer, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
This dish balances the robust flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience and warmth of a pasta casserole. It’s wonderfully approachable, perfect for any home cook looking to bring a delicious, satisfying meal to the table without a fuss.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe delivers a classic flavor profile, you can easily tweak it. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal taste, or use different strengths of cheddar cheese, from mild to extra sharp, for a bolder flavor. If fresh parsley isn't on hand, don't worry—the casserole is still delicious without the garnish.
Serving & Context
This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is the quintessential family-friendly meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it warm and fresh, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.