This Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort at it's best and is prepared in a single pot on the stove top! It's cheesy, meaty, and a delicious homemade version of Hamburger Helper!
Shred the cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temperature when added to the pasta later.
Season the ground beef with desired amount of salt and pepper.
In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the onions. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the Worcestershire sauce and the tomato paste and stir until well-combined.
Add the beef broth and the uncooked macaroni, stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium or medium/low.
Cover the pot and heat for 5 minutes. Uncover, stir briefly, replace the cover, and heat for 5 more minutes, or until just al dente.
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk. Only add the other half if desired.
Gradually sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring as you do so.
Once the cheese is melted and you have a uniform consistency, top with the remaining cheese.
Replace the lid and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Top with parsley and serve!
Notes
Whole milk is recommended for a creamier consistency, but a lower fat milk may also be used.
A teaspoon of ketchup and yellow mustard can be added when the pasta is cooking to round out the cheeseburger flavors! A touch of dill pickle relish can also be added at the end.
Make-Ahead Method
If you prefer to to the prep work for this casserole ahead of time, prepare the recipe as-instructed but cook the pasta covered for 7 minutes instead of 8.
Stop at step #10, right before you top the casserole with additional cheese.
Let the casserole cool down, then top it with cheese.
Refrigerate for up to two days, then bake it in a 350 degree oven, covered, for 15 minutes.
Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Top with parsley and serve!
Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. There are 5 servings in this recipe.