Description
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting baked pasta dish. Featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese soup, tangy ketchup and mustard, and topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional pickles, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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 & Seasoning
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef & Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and milk into the cooked beef and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a well-blended sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is completely coated with the cheesy beef mixture.
- Assemble: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, along with the chopped pickles if using.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any favorite pasta shape such as shells or penne.
- For a tangier flavor, add more mustard or pickles according to your taste.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese soup and low-fat milk.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until baking.
