Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole

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Are you looking for an easy, cheesy dinner that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It’s a simple, one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese, and other classic ingredients, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Whether you’re searching for family-friendly slow cooker recipes or weeknight dinner ideas, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. If you’re new to using a slow cooker or just need an effortless meal, this cheeseburger casserole recipe is a must-try!

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of Carolina Coleslaw or baked potato wedges to round out the meal. If you’re looking for another slow cooker hit, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, which is equally comforting and easy to make!

What is Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole?

Cheeseburger casseroles combine all the flavors you love from a cheeseburger into a convenient, crowd-pleasing dish. This particular version brings in the magic of the slow cooker, which allows the ingredients to blend and develop rich flavors as they cook slowly.

By using macaroni, cheddar cheese, and ground beef, this casserole has all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger, without the hassle of grilling or frying. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.

You might enjoy these recipes:

• 3 Ingredient Roast Beef Recipe
• Leftover Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it’s important:

• 1 lb ground beef – This is the base of the casserole, providing a rich, savory flavor. Ground turkey can also be used as a leaner option.
• 1 small onion, diced – The onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup – This ingredient is key to achieving a creamy, cheesy texture throughout the casserole.
• 1 cup beef broth – Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor.
• 1 small green pepper, diced – Green pepper adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni – This pasta holds up well in the slow cooker, making it ideal for casseroles.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – A small amount of garlic powder provides a savory kick that enhances the dish.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty cheddar cheese on top adds the ultimate cheeseburger flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole

Making this Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole is incredibly easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you in a few hours:

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef, onion, and green pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Transfer to slow cooker: Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, cheddar cheese soup, and garlic powder. Stir everything together.
3. Add pasta and cheese: Add the uncooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to HIGH. Cook for 3-4 hours, stirring every hour to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Finish with cheese: Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for Making This Recipe

• Stir regularly: Be sure to stir the casserole every hour to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Try different cheeses: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other types like mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
• Add veggies: If you’d like to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding diced carrots, zucchini, or even corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Pasta tips: Use small pasta like elbow macaroni for the best results. Larger pasta shapes may not cook as evenly.
• Adjust cooking time: If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you might need to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks through evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. The casserole will still be flavorful and satisfying, though you may want to add a little more seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of turkey.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free pasta and check that your cheddar cheese soup is gluten-free as well. Be sure to monitor the cooking time for the pasta, as gluten-free varieties can sometimes cook faster.

How can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the ground beef and mix the ingredients together the night before. Store everything in the fridge and simply start the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook the next day.

Have you tried this Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Casserole yet? If so, don’t forget to rate and review the recipe! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Whether you’re making this dish for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!