Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a baked pasta casserole. Featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, diced pickles, and a melty cheese topping, this recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Beef Mixture
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
Cheese Topping
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Mix in tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow this to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to blend the flavors. Then stir in beef broth.
- Add Pickles: Stir the chopped dill pickles into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, combine the cooked macaroni with the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy your comforting cheeseburger casserole!
Notes
- Be sure to drain excess grease after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of your Worcestershire sauce and pickles.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like penne or rotini.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef mixture.
