Description

This Cheeseburger Casserole turns all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a cozy, family-style bake. Tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar come together in a rich, savory sauce, with optional pickles for that signature burger tang. It’s a hearty, weeknight-friendly dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, drained, or fresh)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional, plus extra for topping if desired)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking spray or a little oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. If using, gently fold in the chopped pickles.
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (and additional chopped pickles if you like) before serving.

Notes

Low-sodium beef broth helps you better control the overall salt level in the casserole, especially if you’re using salty cheese or pickles.
If your skillet mixture seems very liquidy after 10–12 minutes, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly before baking.
For a richer, creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of milk or a few tablespoons of cream with the cheese before transferring to the baking dish.
Letting the casserole rest briefly after baking helps it set up so slices hold together better when served.
This is a flexible recipe taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning with extra mustard, Worcestershire, salt, or pepper as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop & Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
Sodium: 780 mg (approx., varies by broth, cheese, and pickles)
Fat: 17 g (approx.)
Saturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
Trans Fat: 0 g (approx., depends on beef)
Carbohydrates: 25 g (approx.)
Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
Protein: 22 g (approx.)
Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, hamburger macaroni bake, ground beef pasta casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy family dinner