Description
Cheeseburger casserole delivers classic American comfort with a hearty twist of ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy topping. Diner-style flavors merge into one satisfying baked dish that brings smiles around the family table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package hamburger buns or bread
Starch/Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Seasoning/Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Tear the hamburger buns or bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them as a base layer across the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and flour until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy binding mixture.
- Add ketchup and mustard to the liquid mixture, whisking to incorporate these flavor-enhancing condiments thoroughly.
- Layer the seasoned ground beef over the bread pieces, ensuring an even distribution.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the beef, allowing it to seep between the layers and bind the casserole.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, covering the casserole completely.
- Optionally, scatter diced pickles, diced onions, and chopped parsley over the cheese layer for added texture and freshness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and become more cohesive.
Notes
- Customize bread choice with gluten-free options like almond flour bread or cauliflower crust for low-carb diets.
- Substitute lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, allowing flavors to meld before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg