The true beauty of this Cheeseburger Casserole lies in the way the flavors meld together – the savory richness of browned ground beef, the tanginess of mustard and ketchup, and the creamy goodness of mayonnaise and sharp cheddar. It’s comfort food at its best, bringing the beloved taste of a cheeseburger into a casserole that’s easy to serve and share. Plus, it’s customizable; add toppings like diced pickles or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray – to coat the baking dish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion – finely chopped (about 6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt – or 1 teaspoon of any other salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic – minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese – shredded and divided (about 6 ounces total)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray, ensuring it is fully coated to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef and onion: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine with condiments: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and onion, stirring thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture, stirring until melted and well integrated. This will add a rich, cheesy flavor throughout the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this casserole on its own or with a side salad, pickles, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
