Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole, a hearty weeknight dinner that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of baked pasta. Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, tangy sauce made with ground beef, tomato sauce, ketchup, and a hint of paprika, this casserole is topped with melty layers of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish. Cream cheese adds luxurious creaminess, while a garnish of fresh parsley brightens the dish. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for easy family meals or game day gatherings. Serve it straight from the oven for a bubbly, golden crust that everyone will love! Keywords: Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, family dinner recipes, cheesy casseroles.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring the spices coat the beef and onion mixture evenly.
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 213.0 g | 273% | |
| Saturated Fat | 112.7 g | 564% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 686 mg | 229% | |
| Sodium | 6822 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 240.4 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.3 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.8 g | ||
| Protein | 185.6 g | 371% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2275 mg | 175% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1739 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
