Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting baked pasta dish. Elbow macaroni is mixed with seasoned ground beef, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tangy dill pickles, then topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
Tomato and Seasonings
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed to reduce fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors, then add beef broth and stir well.
- Add Pickles: Mix in the chopped dill pickles evenly into the beef and tomato mixture for a tangy flavor contrast.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, combine the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Remove and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Feel free to add diced pickles after baking for extra crunch if preferred.
