Go Back

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger casserole with browned beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a gooey melted cheddar top. Mixed-in ketchup and mustard create a classic burger flavor in every cheesy, bubbly scoop, and it reheats well from frozen portions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and sauce
  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 0.3333 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Casserole layers
  • 2 cup elbow macaroni, cooked
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar
  • 0.5 cup diced pickles

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and set out a baking dish for the casserole.
  2. Dice the onion and measure the pickles, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings so everything is ready for the skillet and layering steps.
Brown the beef and build the sauce
  1. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat when the beef is no longer pink.
  2. Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Assemble
  1. Fold in the cooked elbow macaroni and stir in half the shredded cheddar until evenly coated and melty-looking.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar for a cheesy layer.
  3. Finish with the diced pickles over the top so they bake into the casserole.
Bake
  1. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and visibly bubbly around the edges.

Notes

For easiest freezable portions, cool the casserole completely, then freeze in individual servings in airtight containers or freezer bags; reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave until steaming throughout. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. For a lighter option, swap half the cheddar for reduced-fat cheddar to keep the gooey top layer while reducing calories.