Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, rotini pasta, and golden toasted hamburger buns baked to perfection. This casserole combines classic cheeseburger flavors in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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
Sauce and Pasta
- 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
Toppings
- 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 the 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 seasoned with salt, black 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.
- Make the roux: Add 2 tablespoons salted butter and allow it to melt completely. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard along with 8 ounces rotini pasta. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens nicely.
- Top and prepare for baking: Remove from heat, spread cubed hamburger buns evenly over the top, sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and add 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles if using.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread cubes turn golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving to set the casserole.
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat without being too greasy.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of pickles or add a splash of pickle juice to the sauce.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute rotini pasta with another short pasta such as penne or elbow macaroni if desired.
- If you want a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
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: 110 mg
