Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this casserole. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning it to prevent dryness. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious – consider adding a beef bouillon cube for deeper flavor.

What if I don't have hamburger buns on hand?

No problem! You can substitute other breads with great results. Try hot dog buns, dinner rolls, Texas toast, or even torn pieces of regular sandwich bread. The key is making sure you toast whatever bread you use to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns or bread. Also double-check your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain wheat-based ingredients. The rest of the ingredients should naturally be gluten-free, but always verify packaging if you're cooking for someone with celiac disease.

How do I know when the casserole is fully heated through?

The casserole is ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the top buns are golden brown. If you're concerned about the center being hot, you can use an instant-read thermometer – the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F. The casserole will also be visibly steaming when you first cut into it.

Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Description

This Chopped Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the taste of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pan casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd or as a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup diced pickles (sweet or dill according to your preference)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 hamburger buns
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prep for baking the casserole.
Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, and crumble it as it cooks. Once browned, drain the grease.
Combine seasonings and ingredients: Add the diced pickles, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then reduce the heat to low.
Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Chop the bottom halves of the hamburger buns into 9 pieces each and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Toast the bun pieces: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the bun pieces and toast them in the oven for 8 minutes.
Assemble the casserole: Remove the toasted bun pieces from the oven and spread the ground beef mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
Add the top buns: Place the 8 top halves of the hamburger buns over the cheese layer. Brush melted butter over the bun tops and sprinkle sesame seeds on them.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the 400°F oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use either sweet or dill pickles based on your flavor preference.
Replace cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend for a different taste.
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 470
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg