Full disclosure: I am not super excited for the Superbowl this year.  I know, am I a REAL American? 

I like football as much as the next guy and I usually watch it when it’s on.  I spent many a Friday/Saturday night in high school and college cheering on the football team, granted I was in marching band so it was required.  But this season I just have NOT been able to get into the football spirit.

Maybe it’s because the Bears are AWFUL but I think it’s really because after the Cubs winning the World Series, football has felt like a HUGE letdown.  So, I’ll watch the game but I could care less who wins.  Hopefully, the commercials are good….  

I am, of course, excited for the food.  I usually make a bunch of finger food type things like chips and every kind of dip, cauliflower bites, and now this cheeseburger casserole.  I like that you can make a huge batch and feed a crowd and you can customize it.

I used a homemade version of non-meat crumbles but you can use ground turkey or beef and if you have no problems with dairy, use your favorite shredded variety.  You can even omit the pasta if you don’t eat pasta and use more riced cauliflower.  Get creative with the toppings too!  Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, more cheese…. whatever you want!

Cheeseburger Casserole 

• 8 oz pasta, whatever you like best (I used this brand because it was on sale)
• 1 batch of my cheese sauce OR 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, swiss…)
• 1 batch of my sausage crumbles OR this version of meat crumbles OR 1 package of ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups riced cauliflower (here’s instructions on how to rice cauliflower)
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, optional

1. Prepare the riced cauliflower, cheese sauce and sausage crumbles (if using) and have them ready.  You can also do this the night before so they’re ready to go.
2. Preheat oven 400 and lightly grease a casserole dish.  Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the box. Drain and set aside.  If you’re using meat, brown that with some salt and pepper.  Once the meat is cooked, move it to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. In the same pan, saute the onions until they are soft.  Add the garlic and saute for another minute.  Add the riced cauliflower and seasonings and saute for about 7 minutes until the cauliflower is soft.
4. Place this in a large bowl.  Add the meat crumbles (real or homemade) and stir everything together.  Add the cooked pasta and diced tomatoes and stir again.  Pour the cheese sauce over everything and stir to coat.  If you’re using real cheese, add 3 cups and stir.
5. Pour the whole mixture into the greased casserole dish.  If you’re using real cheese, add the remaining cup to the top.  Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until everything is bubbly and starting to brown.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, top with optional chopped parsley and then dig in!