Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole

Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and full of classic cheeseburger flavor with a savory mushroom twist. This easy one-pan dish features seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and tender pasta, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s everything you love about a mushroom cheeseburger, baked into a warm and satisfying casserole the whole family will crave.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Easy prep and cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, pasta, and loads of cheesy goodness.
Family Favorite – A kid-approved dinner with bold, familiar flavors.
Freezer-Friendly – Make it ahead and enjoy it any night of the week.
Customizable – Add your favorite burger toppings or swap the pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup sour cream (adds creaminess and tang)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced pickles (for serving)
• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese
• Toasted breadcrumbs

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Saucepan for cheese sauce
• Pot for boiling pasta
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoons and whisk
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Mushrooms

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped onion and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef-mushroom mixture, and cheese sauce.
3. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with additional shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. For a golden top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions or pickles if desired.

Tips for Perfect Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Melts better than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven.
Mix Up the Cheese – Add mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for variety.
Add Burger-Inspired Flavors – Try ketchup, mustard, or diced pickles in the mix.
Make It a Meal – Serve with a green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the cheesy sauce.
Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts pair well.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – A refreshing drink to wash it all down.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring between each to avoid cold spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I skip the mushrooms?
Of course. Just leave them out or replace with another veggie like zucchini or spinach.

4. What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Final Thoughts
Mushroom Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and filling meal that brings all the classic burger flavors to your dinner table—no bun required. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and customizable add-ins, this crowd-pleasing dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Try it out tonight and see how quickly it disappears from your dinner table. Don’t forget to share your twist and leave a review!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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