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Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole: Quick Weeknight Dinner

A close-up serving of baked cheeseburger casserole featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheddar and white cheese.
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Make this ultimate comfort food bake tonight. This easy cheeseburger casserole delivers classic burger flavors—ground beef, melty cheddar, and a special tangy sauce—in one quick, cheesy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (for mixing in)
  • Extra shredded cheese and pickles 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 with the 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, and onion powder. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the mustard and ketchup to the beef mixture and stir to combine, creating the burger flavor base.
  5. Add the uncooked macaroni pasta, milk, and chopped dill pickles to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. The liquid should start to thicken.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with extra chopped pickles if desired.

Notes

  • For an authentic cheeseburger flavor, use a blend of cheddar and a small amount of Monterey Jack cheese.
  • If you want a richer sauce, substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with 1/2 cup of beef broth.
  • You can prepare this dump and bake recipe ahead of time; cover and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, adding 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

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