But now you can make a similar version that is so much better than the box mix. A handful of ingredients like ground beef, onions, tomato puree, cheese, and spices come together for a beefy and cheesy dinner idea the entire family will enjoy. Cheeseburger casserole is a no-brainer when time is limited (like those busy weeknights). Need to make it in advance? No problem.
An Easy, Breezy Weeknight Dinner
Season and brown your ground beef in a skillet with onions, garlic, and spices while your pasta is boiling. Add your tomato puree and half of your cheese. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Dinner is on the table in around 30 minutes. Easy, breezy.
Make Ahead for Meal Prep
This recipe can be made in advance and served later in the week. It is the perfect meal prep option! You’ll cook your beef and your pasta then place them in separate containers and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble (make sure you keep the cheese separately too). You can refrigerate everything for up to 2 days, and when you are ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture, fold in the cooked pasta and cheese, transfer to your casserole dish, bake per the recipe, and serve!
Cheeseburger Casserole Swaps
Ground beef: For this recipe, we’re using 80/20 ground beef, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based alternative. Canned tomatoes: The great part about this ingredient is you can use any canned tomatoes you have one hand. Instead of canned pureed tomatoes, you use crushed tomatoes for some additional texture.
Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese will work great for this recipe and may be your preference for minimal preparation; however, while using a grater to shred a block of solid cheese may be a little more work, the cheese melts better due to the oils present in block cheeses. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can substitute any cheddar cheese, like white cheddar. Pasta: Elbow macaroni closely resembles the Hamburger Helper we all know and love, but rotini or mini shells would also work well.Cream: This beefy, cheesy casserole needs some moisture, so all ingredients combine in perfect harmony. Heavy cream is an excellent choice, but you can use sour cream if you don’t have heavy cream on hand. Make sure your heavy cream or sour cream is at room temperature before adding it to your warm pasta. The consistency will be creamy and will not separate or curdle.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole
This casserole can serve as your main course, and it is excellent paired with garlic bread or chewy dinner rolls. For a balanced meal, pair with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. A garden or tossed salad is the perfect complement as well.
Can I Store and Reheat This Casserole?
Absolutely! However, as with other pasta casseroles, the pasta tends to soak up the sauce, so it’s not as saucy as it would be when you initially made it. It will remain fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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Once the water has reached a rolling boil, add the dry pasta, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 9 to 11 minutes, until mostly cooked through but still a bit firm to the bite. Using a colander, drain and set to the side. Season with oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. The casserole will keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or place in the oven at 350°F oven until it is heated through (this will depend on the portion size you are reheating). Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
