Description
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish combining ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features a creamy blend of cheddar cheese soup, tangy ketchup, and mustard, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional pickles for a classic cheeseburger taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional)
Pasta & Dairy
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Condiments & Seasonings
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Beef & Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, mustard, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy beef mixture.
- Assemble: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add chopped pickles if using for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Adding pickles is optional but adds a nice tangy crunch reminiscent of a cheeseburger.
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead and refrigerate before assembling and baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
