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Ultimate Easy Cheeseburger Casserole for Quick Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of a baked cheeseburger casserole featuring macaroni, ground beef, and a thick layer of melted cheddar cheese.
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This easy cheeseburger casserole delivers all the classic burger flavors—ground beef, melty cheddar, and a tangy sauce—in one quick, cheesy, one-pot meal. It is a family favorite ready fast.

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, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked 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 with the beef mixture. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked pasta, milk, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is mostly tender. Stir occasionally during this time.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the mixture.
  7. Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
  9. Let the cheeseburger casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top individual servings with chopped dill pickles, if using.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
  • You can prepare the beef and pasta mixture on the stovetop ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before topping with cheese and baking.
  • If you want a ‘special sauce’ flavor, mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of sweet pickle relish into the sauce when adding the ketchup and mustard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/easy-cheeseburger-casserole-quick-dinner/