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Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
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Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole

This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce are baked until hot and bubbly with a golden cheesy topping. It's an easy family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Keyword: baked macaroni casserole, baked pasta recipe, cheeseburger pasta casserole, cheesy beef pasta bake, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food casserole, easy family dinner, ground beef casserole, hamburger casserole, weeknight dinner
Servings: 8
Calories: 4120kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1½ cups cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated with the cheesy beef sauce.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft after baking.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add cooked bacon, diced pickles, or chopped tomatoes for extra cheeseburger flavor.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for the beef if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition (Per Serving) 

  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Potassium: 520mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 720 IU
  • Vitamin C: 3mg
  • Calcium: 360mg
  • Iron: 3mg