Cheeseburger Casserole 🍔🧀

Reading Time: 2 minutes

This hearty and comforting Cheeseburger Casserole combines macaroni, ground beef, and melted cheese for a delicious family meal!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) dried elbow macaroni (about 6 cups dry pasta)
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80:20 preferred)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp butter
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup tomato purée
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta, and cook for 9-11 minutes until mostly cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with oregano, sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Stir in butter, onions, garlic, and tomato purée until combined.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, parsley, basil, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
8. Let it sit for 10 minutes for a firmer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.