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One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

This Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort at it's best and is prepared in a single pot on the stove top! It's cheesy, meaty, and a delicious homemade version of Hamburger Helper!
Prep Time8 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 5
Calories: 811kcal
Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • Shred the cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temperature when added to the pasta later.
  • Season the ground beef with desired amount of salt and pepper.
  • In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined.
  • Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium/low.
  • 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.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the other half if desired.
  • Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring as you do so.
  • Once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency, top with the remaining cheese.
  • Replace the lid and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  • Top with parsley and serve!

Notes

  • Whole milk is recommended for a creamier consistency, but a lower fat milk may also be used. 
  • A teaspoon of ketchup and yellow mustard can be added when the pasta is cooking to round out the cheeseburger flavors! A touch of dill pickle relish can also be added at the end.

Make-Ahead Method

  • If you prefer to to the prep work for this casserole ahead of time, prepare the recipe as-instructed but cook the pasta covered for 7 minutes instead of 8.
  • Stop at step #10, right before you top the casserole with additional cheese. 
  • Let the casserole cool downthen top it with cheese. 
  • Refrigerate for up to two days, then bake it in a 350 degree oven, covered, for 15 minutes. 
  • Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Top with parsley and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 811kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 1390mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1145IU | Vitamin C: 4.1mg | Calcium: 683mg | Iron: 3.6mg