Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 pound shell pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta water (reserved from boiling the shells)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the ground beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained pasta, tomato soup, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Add some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Transfer to a baking dish:
- Grease a baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Cheeseburger Casserole! You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Here are some tips to make your Cheeseburger Casserole even more delightful:
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Opt for fresh, locally sourced vegetables for added freshness.
- Cheese Selection:
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can enhance the flavor.
- Consider using a sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
- Seasoning:
- Don’t be afraid to add extra seasoning to your ground beef. A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne can elevate the taste.
- Vegetable Variety:
- Mix up the vegetables. Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Fresh Herbs:
- Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness right before serving.
- Condiment Creativity:
- Serve with condiments like pickles, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream on top for added freshness and tang.
- Bun Crust:
- Consider creating a bun crust on the top layer by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and spreading it over the casserole before baking. It adds a crunchy texture reminiscent of a burger.
- Bacon Bliss:
- If you’re a bacon lover, try adding crispy bacon bits to the casserole for an extra layer of smokiness and crunch.
- Spice it Up:
- For a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mix.
- Layering Technique:
- Layer the ingredients evenly for a balanced distribution of flavors in each bite.
- Serve with Greens:
- Balance the richness of the casserole by serving it with a side salad or some fresh greens.
- Let it Rest:
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Customize Toppings:
- Offer a variety of toppings at the table, such as diced green onions, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices, allowing everyone to customize their portion.
Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so feel free to adapt these suggestions to suit your taste and preferences. Enjoy your delightful Cheeseburger Casserole!
