Cheeseburger Casserole

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the classic burger flavors, this Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Think juicy ground beef, pasta, tangy ketchup, mustard, melty cheese, and even some pickles—baked together into a warm and satisfying one-dish meal. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, served casserole-style!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Dish Wonder – Everything bakes up together in one pan.
All the Burger Flavor – Ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheese in every bite.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, big flavor.
Make Ahead – Great for meal prep or freezing for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Diced dill pickles (classic cheeseburger taste)
• Extra shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions or chives
• Sesame seeds (for a fun burger-bun vibe)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Baking dish (if not using an oven-safe skillet)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Add tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer

1. Stir in uncooked pasta and reduce heat to low.
2. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. If using an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
3. If not, transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with cheese.
4. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Top and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped pickles, green onions, or extra cheese as desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Casserole
Use Good Cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold, classic flavor.
Don’t Skip the Ketchup & Mustard – They’re key for that cheeseburger taste.
Simmer Gently – Stir often to keep pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Customize It – Add bacon, jalapeños, or mushrooms to mix it up.
Add Pickles After Baking – Keeps them crisp and full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – A crisp salad balances out the richness.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up cheesy bites.
Roasted Veggies – Add some nutrition to this hearty meal.
Burger-Style – Serve with burger toppings on the side for DIY fun.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes! Shells, penne, or rotini all work great—just adjust cook time slightly.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely—use plant-based ground meat or swap in lentils or mushrooms.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to baking time.
4. Is this kid-friendly?
   Very! The cheesy, familiar flavors are usually a big hit with kids.
5. Can I add bacon?
   Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon adds smoky, salty flavor that fits right in.

Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Casserole brings all the comfort and flavor of your favorite burger into one cheesy, pasta-filled dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and full of familiar tastes everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or just when you’re craving something hearty and homemade.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your casserole turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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