Description
This Loaded Cowboy Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, pasta, corn, BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting meal that brings together the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient casserole form, great for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or elbow)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once cooked thoroughly, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, browned beef mixture, drained corn, BBQ sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden melted.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with any small shape like macaroni or rotini.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef while browning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If you prefer a spicier BBQ sauce, feel free to use your favorite variation.
- To make it lower fat, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
