Brown beef and chopped onion in a skillet; then drain
Sprinkle the beef with the garlic powder, pepper and Italian seasoning and mix in well
Stir in the hot water, milk, sauce mix and pasta; heat to boiling
Reduce heat and add the diced tomatoes and brown sugar; cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Add half of the French fried onions to the mixture and ½ cup of the cheese
Transfer to a 9x11 inch baking dish
Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and top with the remaining French fried onions
Broil on low for 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and French fried onions are crispy and golden
Notes
Enhancing Flavor: To elevate the flavor of the cheeseburger casserole, consider adding extra seasonings or ingredients. For instance, you can add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or smoked paprika to the ground beef while browning it for a more complex taste. Additionally, incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms can add depth and texture to the dish.
Customizing Toppings: While the recipe calls for French Fried Onions as a topping, feel free to customize it based on your preferences. You can substitute them with crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crispy bacon bits for added crunch and flavor. Experiment with different toppings to create a unique and delicious casserole.
Optimizing Baking: When broiling the casserole to melt the cheese and crisp up the French fried onions, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Position the baking dish in the oven's center rack and set the broiler to low to ensure even cooking and browning. Rotate the dish halfway through broiling to ensure uniform crisping. Remove the casserole from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown to avoid overcooking.