Description
A comforting and flavorful Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender rotini pasta, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bread cubes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal with classic cheeseburger flavors in a casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 90/10 preferred
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In an oven-safe enameled cast iron pot, braiser pan, or deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until nearly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the diced white onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Create Roux: Add the salted butter to the beef mixture and allow it to fully melt. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the rotini pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove the pot from heat. Evenly distribute the cubed hamburger buns over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped dill pickles if using.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread cubes are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe pot or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish before baking.
- Pickles are optional but add an authentic cheeseburger tanginess; omit if preferred.
- To add extra flavor, consider topping with cooked bacon bits or diced tomatoes before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
