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:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- 3. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 4. 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.
- 5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- 6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Popular Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Is it necessary to use condensed cheddar cheese soup?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. It will still be delicious!
Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Using condensed cheddar cheese soup adds a creamy and cheesy flavor to the dish, but if you prefer, you can make a homemade cheese sauce instead.
Helpful Tips:
- 1. Add in some cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra savory twist.
- 2. Top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy topping.
- 3. Mix in some diced pickles or jalapenos for a tangy kick.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 2. Use quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor in this dish.
- 3. Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming mushy.