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Savory Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Pasta Bake with Melted Cheddar

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A comforting and satisfying casserole combining ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or small pasta (about 8 oz/225g dry)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz/225g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons diced pickles or pickle juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
  6. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbling but not browned.
  7. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  8. Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in diced pickles or pickle juice.
  9. In a large bowl, gently fold together cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce until evenly combined.
  10. Transfer mixture to an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, watching carefully.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy casserole. Drain pasta well to prevent sogginess. Whisk cheese sauce constantly to avoid lumps and scorching. Freshly shred cheese for best melt quality. Let casserole rest after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding. Optional broiling adds a crispy top.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, pasta bake, ground beef casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-pasta-bake-with-melted-cheddar/