Description
This Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy pasta and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection with toasted hamburger bun cubes on top. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 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
Roux and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Pasta and Toppings
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 hamburger buns, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 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 Beef and Onions: In an oven-safe enameled cast iron pot, braiser pan, or deep 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until nearly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in 2 tablespoons salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often to form a thickened base.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add 8 ounces rotini pasta, 4 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir everything well and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
- Add Toppings: Remove from heat and evenly top with cubed hamburger buns. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and chopped dill pickles over the top if desired.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread cubes are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
Notes
- Using 90/10 ground beef provides a good balance of fat for flavor without excessive greasiness.
- The cubed hamburger buns create a crispy, golden topping reminiscent of a crunchy crouton layer.
- Dill pickles are optional but add a nice tangy contrast to the rich casserole.
- Make sure the pot or skillet used is oven-safe to avoid accidents when transferring to the oven.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
