Description
This Quick & Easy Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a casserole. Ground beef and onions are simmered with ketchup, mustard, and cheddar cheese soup, then mixed with cooked pasta and baked with a cheesy topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Condiments & Seasonings
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Beef & Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: To the browned beef and onions, stir in ¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, one 10.5 oz can of condensed cheddar cheese soup, and ½ cup milk. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine with Pasta: Add 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the cheesy beef mixture.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you like, add ¼ cup chopped pickles on top for an extra tangy flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; macaroni works best for texture.
- Pickles are optional but add a nice tang to replicate cheeseburger flavors.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese soup with homemade cheese sauce if desired.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave before serving.
