"Cheeburger""Cheeburger" Casserole

The cheeseburger, it was written into a song by the famous Jimmy Buffett and even a skit on Saturday Night Live, the sandwich became even more popular with the Hamburger Helper introduction back in the 1980's.

So what do you get when you combine all the fixings of the classic cheeseburger as a casserole? You get a meal that can be eaten anytime of the day. You can heat it up for breakfast with some eggs on the side or a quick lunch and dinner. A great idea for people who meal prep, really easy to get portioned out and frozen.

By making this into a casserole you can add a few favorites also like pasta or jalapeños. My favorite is adding some pickles, bacon and whole wheat pasta with different types of cheese.

For this recipe you will need:

1 1/2 lbs - ground beef or turkey

1 tablespoon - oil

2 cups - beef broth

2 tablespoons - tomato paste

1 teaspoon - minced garlic

1/2 to 1 cup - diced yellow onion (depending on personal taste)

2 tablespoons - mustard (spicy or dijon)

1 teaspoon - dried oregano

1 teaspoon - garlic or onion powder

1 teaspoon - chili powder

3 1/2 cups - shredded cheese (set aside 1/2 cup)

1 cup - diced tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta, it's really your preference. Elbow is popular and rigatoni.

you will need about 2 1/2 cups uncooked of a small shaped pasta.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray your 9 X 13 casserole dish with oil. Set aside.

2. Cook the pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.

3. Brown the onions on medium heat in your skillet until golden, then add in your beef or turkey, cook until no longer pink, do not drain the excess fat.

4. Add in the tomato paste and mustard and cook for about 4-5 mins.

5. Put both pasta and meat into a large bowl with the 1/2 of cheese you put aside, give it a good stir and spread it evenly into your casserole dish.

Now is where you can get creative with your toppings.

1. Add the remainder of the 3 cups of cheese evenly on top.

2. You can add green onions, cooked bacon bits, jalapeños, tomatoes and sprinkle it on top evenly.

3. Place it in the oven uncovered for about 12-15 mins or until golden brown.

4. Top with pickles.

TIPS:

• For the cheese, try and mix it up, cheddar/gruyere/pepper jack etc.

• Make sure that either the beef or turkey is cooked completely.

• You can top this with sour cream and taco sauce for Taco Tuesday.

• Feel free to add your own favorite spices to make this dish your own.