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Easy Weeknight Cheeseburger Casserole with Pasta

A close-up of a baked cheeseburger casserole in a glass dish, showing macaroni, ground beef, and a thick layer of melted cheddar cheese.
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Make this easy cheeseburger casserole for a comforting, cheesy dinner that tastes just like your favorite burger. It uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, and ketchup into the skillet. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked pasta, milk, and beef broth to the skillet mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is mostly tender. Do not overcook the pasta at this stage.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top individual servings with chopped dill pickles, if desired.

Notes

  • For a tangier flavor that mimics a burger sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of pickle relish into the cheese mixture before baking.
  • You can use 8 ounces of cream cheese cut into cubes along with the milk for an extra creamy texture.
  • If you want a crispier top, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crushed buttery crackers over the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/cheeseburger-casserole-easy-weeknight-dinner/