Today, I will make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger into a comforting casserole. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
What is Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole?
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole is a savory dish that layers ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a comforting, cheesy delight. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table in a casserole form.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Corn Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this casserole a breeze to put together.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great family meal.
- Versatile: This can be customized with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and baking when needed.
- Comfort Food: Provides a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
- Leftover Potential: It tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix with pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Green Salad: A fresh salad balances the rich casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds a healthy side to the meal.
- Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
- Pickles: Classic cheeseburger accompaniment.
- French Fries: Complements the cheeseburger theme.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Reduces excess grease in the casserole.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensures the pasta holds its shape when baked.
- Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a superior flavor.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
- Even Layers: Distribute the ingredients evenly for consistent bites.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest before serving for the best texture.
- Customize Toppings: Add pickles, mustard, or bacon for a cheeseburger twist.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat and veggie cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese.
- Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with salsa.
Storing Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power until warm.
- Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g
FAQs
How can I make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to increase the nutrient content.
Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I use different types of pasta for Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta for this casserole. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use rotini, penne, or shells for added texture and variety.
How do I prevent my cheeseburger casserole from becoming dry?
To prevent the casserole from becoming dry, make sure to use enough sauce and cheese. Also, avoid overbaking it; bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole is a delightful, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. Enjoy this delicious casserole and make your mealtime special!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Ham And Potato Casserole
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole is a savory dish that layers ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a comforting, cheesy delight. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your dinner table in a casserole form.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine sauces and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix with pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
