Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Ingredients

FOR THE CASSEROLE:

• 1 lb. dried elbow macaroni
• 1 lb. lean ground beef (90/10)
• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 Tbsp. mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 2 Tbsp. grilling seasoning
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
• 12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided (about 3 cups)
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 slices American cheese

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

How To Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Cook the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In the same Dutch oven with the beef drippings, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
4. Finish the sauce and combine: Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the mustard, grilling seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue whisking until the cheese is completely melted. Stir the cooked beef and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the American cheese slices to cover the surface.
6. Add the topping and bake: In a small bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, sesame seeds, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to get a perfectly creamy cheese sauce: The key is to gradually whisk in the milk. Adding it all at once can create lumps. Also, once you add the cheese, keep the heat low and stir until just melted to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming greasy.
• What is grilling seasoning? This is typically a pre-made blend of spices like black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Popular brands include McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning. If you don’t have any, a mix of these individual spices will work well.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the panko topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, make the topping, sprinkle it on, and add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Why use American cheese? While cheddar provides the sharp flavor, American cheese is an emulsified product that melts into an incredibly smooth, creamy layer without getting greasy, giving you that perfect “cheeseburger” effect.

What To Serve With Cheeseburger Casserole

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal. Simple sides are all you need to round it out.

• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Dill pickle spears on the side
• Roasted asparagus

How To Store Cheeseburger Casserole

Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Cheeseburger Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 650kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Mini Beef Wellington Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Italian Drip Beef Recipe