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Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Cheeseburger Casserole

easy cheesy dump-and-bake cheeseburger casserole - featured image

A quick and comforting casserole combining ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese with a tangy ketchup and mustard sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 12 oz uncooked elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 340 g)
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles or diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Mix with beef.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef and onion mixture, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
  8. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add optional sliced pickles or diced tomatoes on top if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen (unbaked). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, dump and bake, easy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake