Description

Craving the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a warm, comforting dish? This Cheeseburger Casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce for a family-friendly meal that’s easy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s everything you love about cheeseburgers—minus the bun—and baked into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce & Pasta:

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini
2 cups beef broth or water (to cook pasta)

For the Cheese Topping:

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup diced dill pickles (optional, for topping)
1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or use an oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Pasta
Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
Stir in uncooked pasta and beef broth (or water).
Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender.
(If using pre-cooked pasta, skip the broth and stir in cooked pasta instead.)

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, stir in ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Top with chopped dill pickles and parsley or green onions if desired.
Scoop and serve hot!

Notes

Use Sharp Cheddar – It adds bold cheeseburger flavor.
Add Pickles Last – So they stay crisp and fresh.
Cook Pasta to Al Dente – It will continue cooking in the sauce.
Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
Double It – Great for large families or make-ahead meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American