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One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole

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This One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole brings all the comfort and flavor of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish — made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. With seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and savory seasonings, it’s a satisfying and family-friendly weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature)
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • ½ cup whole milk (room temperature, or adjust for creaminess)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Shred cheddar cheese and set aside 2 ½ cups for mixing and 1 cup for topping.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion with salt and pepper until beef is browned and onions are soft (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste until well combined.
  5. Pour in beef broth and add uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Stir, re-cover, and cook another 5 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and half of the milk. Mix until creamy. Add more milk if needed.
  8. Gradually stir in 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  9. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.
  10. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • Veggie boost: Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
  • Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken.
  • Low-carb option: Substitute cauliflower for pasta and reduce broth.
  • Storage: Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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