Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and this Pioneer Woman inspired recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level of easy and delicious. Imagine all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, but in a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s made entirely in one pot! This one-pot cheeseburger casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Forget about multiple dishes and complicated steps – this recipe simplifies everything without sacrificing any of the flavor. If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner, this cheeseburger casserole is your answer.
A skillet with a wooden spoon scooping up Cheeseburger Casserole
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this Pioneer Woman style cheeseburger casserole:
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks in a single skillet, making this recipe incredibly convenient.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal is ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when time is short.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, beefy pasta bake. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Homemade Hamburger Helper, Elevated: Forget the boxed stuff. This is a homemade version of hamburger helper that tastes a million times better, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for a super easy meal on a later date. It’s perfect for meal prepping or stocking up for busy weeks.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s preferences. Add different cheeses, veggies, or toppings to make it your own.
Overhead view of ingredients for cheeseburger casserole
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
To create this comforting Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole, you’ll need these simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef is ideal. It provides great flavor without excess grease.
- Onion & Garlic: A small diced yellow onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic form the aromatic base of the casserole.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Tomato Paste: These add depth and umami, enhancing the cheeseburger flavor profile.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups of beef broth create a rich and flavorful sauce while cooking the macaroni.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 (16 oz.) box of uncooked elbow macaroni. It cooks right in the pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Cheddar Cheese: 3 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Room temperature cheese melts best and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream & Milk: ¾ cup of sour cream and ½ cup of whole milk add creaminess and tang. Make sure they are at room temperature to prevent curdling.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley for a fresh garnish and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
Making this Pioneer Woman cheeseburger casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect one-pot meal:
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain off any excess grease.
Macaroni being cooked in a dutch oven for cheeseburger casserole
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Add Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring until well combined. This builds a rich flavor base reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers.
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Combine Pasta and Broth: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked macaroni. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Macaroni: Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir briefly to prevent sticking, then cover again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the macaroni is just al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
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Create the Cheesy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Elbow macaroni in a dutch oven being topped with shredded cheese for cheeseburger casserole
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Melt Remaining Cheese: Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the pot again and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman style cheeseburger casserole!
overhead view of a large skillet filled with warm cheeseburger casserole with a white background next to parsley and a wooden spoon
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature before adding them to the pot. This prevents the cheese sauce from becoming grainy or the milk from curdling.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and you want to avoid mushy pasta.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
- Add Extra Cheeseburger Flavors: For an even more authentic cheeseburger taste, stir in a teaspoon of ketchup and yellow mustard when you add the beef broth. A touch of dill pickle relish at the end can also add a delightful tang.
Make Ahead and Storing Instructions
Make Ahead: You can prepare this Pioneer Woman cheeseburger casserole ahead of time to make dinner even easier. Follow the recipe up to step #10 (before topping with the final layer of cheese). Let the casserole cool completely, then top with the remaining cheese. Refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cheeseburger casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
overhead view of a skillet filled with cheeseburger casserole and a wooden spoon scooping it out
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman style cheeseburger casserole is the perfect embodiment of comfort food – easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and loved by everyone. It’s a fantastic one-pot meal solution for busy families, weeknight dinners, or anyone craving a cheesy, beefy, and satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have this homemade hamburger helper on the table in just 30 minutes. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a comforting classic with a Pioneer Woman twist!
