Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. Inspired by the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this baked casserole is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and feeds a hungry family with minimal effort.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional additions:

• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
   Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
   Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned.
   Drain excess grease.

   Stir in:

   • Garlic powder
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Diced tomatoes

   Cook for 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients
   Add the cooked macaroni and milk to the beef mixture.
   Stir well until everything is combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
   Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave.