Description
This loaded cheeseburger casserole combines all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty, one-pan dish. Ground beef, creamy pasta, cheddar cheese, and golden hamburger bun cubes come together to create a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Top it off with dill pickles for that extra burger-inspired touch!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Casserole Base
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter (if using lean meat)
- 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
Toppings
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 4 cups hamburger buns, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and turns golden brown once assembled. - Cook the Ground Beef
In an oven-safe cast iron pot, braiser pan, or deep 10-inch skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. Cook until nearly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add diced onion and continue cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 more minutes. - Prepare the Roux
If using lean ground beef, add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to remove any raw flour taste. - Prepare the Sauce and Pasta
Add the rotini pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. - Add Toppings
Remove the skillet from heat. Spread the cubed hamburger buns evenly over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and dill pickles (if using) over the top for that cheesy, tangy burger flavor. - Bake the Casserole
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can toast the cubed hamburger buns in a skillet before sprinkling them on top of the casserole.
- Can’t find rotini pasta? Substitute with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.
- For a lower-carb option, consider replacing the rotini pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg