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Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole for a Quick Family Dinner

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy, cheesy cheeseburger casserole featuring macaroni pasta and ground beef.
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You need a fast, comforting meal for a busy weeknight. This easy one-pot cheeseburger casserole delivers all the classic burger flavors—ground beef, melted cheddar, and a tangy sauce—in a simple, cheesy bake that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra melt)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (for serving or mixing in)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, and ketchup. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni pasta to the simmering liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and creamy.
  8. Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper if needed. This is your hearty weeknight meal base.
  9. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with chopped dill pickles for that authentic cheeseburger flavor.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in with the broth and milk.
  • If you want a thicker casserole, let it sit uncovered for 5 minutes after adding the cheese to allow it to set up slightly.
  • This recipe works well as a make-ahead meal; assemble everything up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the liquid and cook on the stovetop as directed.
  • If you are looking for a simple casserole for dinner that uses pantry staples, this is a great choice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/cheeseburger-casserole-easy-weeknight-dinner/