Cheeseburger Unplugged!

As you all know by now I'm on a mission to re-event dinner each night. I try to have at least 4 nights a week with something new. Yes it still drives Rick nuts he would like just "a normal meal" as he calls it but sorry dude it's not a hamburger helper house anymore :). So trying to please everyone I found a cheeseburger theme meal done two ways. One of my FAVORITE foodies is Alex @ Ma, What's for dinner? (yes I love her even since our names are close =D) she always has something easy and something I can whip up quickly.

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Italian Cheeseburger Macaroni

by Ma, What's for dinner?

2 T olive oil

1 lb ground beef

½ large onion, chopped

1 can diced tomato

1 clove garlic, chopped

8 oz mushrooms sliced thin

½ T dried oregano

1 t dried red pepper flakes

1 lb whole wheat penne pasta

3 T butter unsalted

3 T all purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1/2 t fresh grated nutmeg

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Set a large pot of water over high heat to boil for your pasta. In large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot add in onions and mushroom and sauté until soft. About 6 minutes or so. When they are soft add in garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook for additional minutes. Add in your ground beef and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Once meat has browned toss in the tomato, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season again with S&P and allow simmering for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt butter over medium high heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once the milk has thickened add in nutmeg and season with S&P. Reduce to medium low heat and melt in cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Allow to cook on low for a few minutes.

When water is boiling season water with salt and add pasta. Note package cooking time and reduce by 2 minutes, the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven later. Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot. Toss the penne with cheese mixture.

Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and pour half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the dish. Spoon the Italian burger mixture over the top in an even layer. Then cover with remaining pasta. Top with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes and enjoy!

ALEXIS NOTES: I used diced tomatoes with chilies, skipped the mushrooms, whole wheat flour and just had cheddar on hand.

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An a favorite of mine :)

Cheeseburger Casserole

by Ma, What's for dinner?

1 lb ground beef

1 onion chopped

1 packet onion soup mix

2 T Worcestershire sauce

½ T flour (optional)

½ cup water

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup mustard

2 russet potatoes sliced thin (either by hand or with a mandolin)

2 cups cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook ground beef until brown. Add in onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

When onions are soft, stir in onion soup and a touch of flour. Mix well. Pour in water and scrape up all the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.

Next pour in your ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Once it begins to boil knock back your heat to medium low and allow your mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour your burger mixture into a 8×8 baking dish. Line the top with potato slices then top with cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

ALEXIS NOTES: I skipped the onion (since the batch I bought was bad), whole wheat flour and I had red potatoes on hand. Yes that is my mandolin Rick bought me for Christmas (LOVED it).

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesday at the Table, Delectable Tuesday and Delicious Dishes.