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An extreme close-up shot of the cheeseburger casserole, showing the layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese.

Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Easy & Cheesy Recipe

This Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner! Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this easy one-dish meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 recommended
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni or other short pasta
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles diced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Pot

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with crumbled bacon, diced pickles, and sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best results, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Tip 2: Feel free to add other 'burger' toppings you love, like diced tomatoes or jalapeños, either in the casserole or on top.
Tip 3: This casserole is great for making ahead. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
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