Description
This Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish that combines savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, and a blend of melted cheeses with pasta. Featuring rich flavors enhanced by Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, this casserole is perfect for an easy dinner that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat for a less greasy dish.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 5 more minutes until the mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.
- Season the Meat Mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Milk and Tomato Paste Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and tomato paste until smooth to create a creamy sauce for the casserole.
- Combine Pasta with Meat Mixture: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and mushroom mixture, stirring to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Pour the milk and tomato paste mixture over the pasta and meat, then mix in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to blend into the casserole base.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh chopped parsley to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add diced bell peppers or cooked bacon to increase flavor complexity.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
