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Easy Weeknight Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

A close-up serving of a rich cheeseburger casserole featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Make this easy cheeseburger pasta casserole for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that tastes like your favorite burger. This one-pan bake comes together quickly, 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 beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra melt)
  • 1/4 cup pickle relish (optional, for authentic flavor)

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. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese (if using) until melted and creamy. If using pickle relish, stir it in now.
  7. Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish.
  8. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  9. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a tangier flavor that mimics a special sauce, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard together, and stir this mixture into the casserole along with the cheese in Step 6.
  • If you want a crispier top, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions over the cheese before the final 15 minutes of baking.
  • This recipe makes a great make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/