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Servings: 6 people
Calories: 405kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground meat
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons pickles chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley to serve
Video
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="EUwO8MEE" upload-date="2025-11-03T05:42:30+00:00" name="Easy Cheeseburger Casserole" description="A family favorite that’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for busy nights." player-type="default" override-embed="default"]
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180ºC.
- Make the macaroni according to the package directions and set aside.1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- In a non-stick skillet, cook the meat until browned and remove any excess grease.1 pound lean ground meat
- Once the meat is no longer pink, add the onion and garlic and mix well. Cook for 5 more minutes.1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, pickles, salt and pepper. Mix well.1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon mustard, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons pickles, Salt and pepper
- Prepare a baking dish with a bit of cooking oil. In a bowl, mix the meat, macaroni and half of the cheese. Transfer to the baking dish.2 cups Cheddar cheese
- Top with the rest of the cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown - about 10 minutes.
- Serve with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Cheeseburger Casserole!Fresh parsley
Notes
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- Meat Choices: While lean ground beef is traditional, don't hesitate to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Each brings its unique flavor and can make the dish healthier.
- Cheese Varieties: Cheddar cheese offers that classic cheeseburger taste, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors and textures.
- Pasta: Feel free to use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Pickles: The chopped pickles add a tangy crunch reminiscent of a real cheeseburger. For a subtler pickle flavor, reduce the amount or use pickle relish.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Add More Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can add flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add Bacon: Turn it into a bacon cheeseburger casserole by adding diced crispy bacon, or sprinkle bacon bits on top.
- Gluten-Free Options: Swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Make it Veggie: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat for a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasoning as needed to mimic the savory flavor of the meat.
- Creamier Casserole: For a creamier texture, mix in a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream with the beef mixture before baking.
- Fresh Toppings: After baking, top your casserole with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra pickles for added crunch and freshness, mimicking the toppings of a classic cheeseburger.
- I tested mixing the pasta in fully cooked vs slightly underdone, and slightly underdone pasta works better because it finishes in the oven without turning soft.
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Nutrition
Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 295mg | Iron: 3mg
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