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Easy Cheesy Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Perfect for Kids Dinner

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A quick and comforting casserole combining ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce that kids love. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) pickle relish (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. After about 5 minutes, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, frozen peas, and pickle relish if using. Cook for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. In a large bowl or the empty pasta pot, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture evenly.
  9. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and beef mixture and mix gently until well coated.
  10. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top for a cheesy crust.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Stir cheese sauce constantly while thickening to prevent lumps. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting results. You can prepare the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, kid-friendly dinner, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight meal

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