Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Casserole! A delicious twist on two classic recipes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Add cooked ground beef mixture and macaroni. Stir until well combined.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Popular questions:
- Can I use different types of pasta?
- Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?
- Can I add veggies to this casserole?
- Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Top with crispy bacon crumbles for a delicious twist.
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the elbow macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Layer the shredded cheddar cheese in between the macaroni mixture for a gooey, cheesy center.