Description
This hearty cheeseburger casserole brings together tender pasta, seasoned beef, and gooey cheddar cheese in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the beef sauce. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Undercook pasta slightly so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
- Customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire or pickle juice for a tangy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, baked pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe