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The Best Ground Beef Casserole for a Delicious Family Meal

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This Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect combination of juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, all baked into a comforting, cheesy dish. It’s a family-friendly, one-pan meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Pasta:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced finely
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 cups large elbow macaroni, dried

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Broth:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 2 cups of water with 3 beef bouillon cubes for 4 minutes or until dissolved.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

3️⃣ Season & Build Flavor:
Add diced onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until onions are soft and fragrant.

4️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Pasta:
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.
Pour in the prepared broth and add elbow macaroni. Stir well and cover.
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

5️⃣ Mix in Sour Cream:
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and whole milk, making the mixture creamy.

6️⃣ Layer & Add Cheese:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Add the remaining beef mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.

7️⃣ Bake & Serve:
Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Garnish with dried parsley and serve warm!

Notes

  • Extra Crunchy Topping? Add buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Find it online: https://richspoon.com/the-best-ground-beef-casserole-for-a-delicious-family-meal/