Print

Easy Cheeseburger Casserole: Under 40 Minute Weeknight Dinner

A spoonful of cheesy cheeseburger casserole lifts up, showing long, stretchy cheese pulls over macaroni and ground beef.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Create this easy cheeseburger casserole for a family-friendly weeknight dinner. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, tender pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese for classic burger flavor in a comforting bake.

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 elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish (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-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat 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 beef mixture. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally during simmering.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top individual servings with dill pickle relish, if desired.

Notes

  • For a tangier sauce, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce with the ketchup and mustard.
  • You can substitute the elbow macaroni with rotini or medium shells. Adjust simmering time slightly based on pasta shape.
  • If you want a crispier top, place the dish under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

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