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Two stacked layers of savory seasoned ground beef and gooey melted white and yellow cheese between golden-brown toasted bread.

The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt Casserole

This hyper-realistic Cheesy Ground Beef Melt features stacked layers of savory seasoned beef and gooey melted white and yellow cheese, baked between thick slices of golden-brown toasted bread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef Crucial fat ratio for browning.
  • 1 medium yellow onion Finely diced.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Flavor enhancer.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper Freshly ground.
  • 8 slices thick-cut white bread (Texas Toast) Provides structural foundation.
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter Softened, for toasting bread.
  • 1.5 cups sharp yellow cheddar cheese Freshly shredded.
  • 1.5 cups white provolone cheese Freshly shredded. Mozzarella works too.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 9x9-inch Dark Ceramic Baking Dish Retains heat beautifully for bubbling cheese.
  • 1 Heavy-Bottomed Cast Iron Skillet Essential for searing the ground beef to develop a caramelized crust.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and sear for 2-3 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter one side of each thick-cut bread slice. Bake on a sheet pan for 6-8 minutes until golden-brown and rigid.
  3. Lightly grease a dark ceramic baking dish. Place 4 toasted bread slices on the bottom. Top with half the savory beef mixture, then half the yellow and white cheeses. Add the remaining 4 bread slices, the rest of the beef, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
  4. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly blistered. Let rest for 5-7 minutes, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve.

Notes

Tip 1: Always drain your ground beef thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese from a block to ensure maximum melting capability and stretch.