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Summer Smash Burger Casserole with Special Sauce
This Summer Smash Burger Casserole with Special Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic burger in a hearty, shareable dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons relish
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or a mix)
- 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish to create the special sauce.
Spread the special sauce evenly over the top of the casserole. Layer sliced pickles and cherry tomatoes on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Chef's Tips
Troubleshooting
Recipe Variations
Healthy Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition Facts
Dietary Info
Garnish Ideas
Storage
Leftover Ideas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
Absolutely! Just ensure it is covered tightly and can be frozen for up to two months before baking.
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils and ensure the sauce ingredients are vegan-friendly.
BBQ sauce or a homemade garlic aioli could also complement the casserole nicely.
Coleslaw or a simple green salad would be great choices to balance the richness of the dish.