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Easy Weeknight Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole with Tangy Special Sauce

A close-up serving of cheeseburger casserole featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, green peppers, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Make this easy cheeseburger casserole for a quick, family-friendly dinner. It combines ground beef, pasta, cheddar cheese, and a tangy sauce for comforting flavor in one dish.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles)
  • 1/4 cup extra ketchup for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, and 1 tablespoon of ketchup into the beef mixture. Cook for one minute.
  4. Add the uncooked pasta, milk, and water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the pickle relish until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
  6. Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, if desired. You can also drizzle extra ketchup on top for a classic burger look.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Let the cheeseburger casserole cool for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, substitute the pasta with cauliflower florets or use a low-carb pasta alternative.
  • You can add 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery or carrots with the onion for hidden vegetables.
  • Serve this cheesy comfort food recipe with extra pickle slices or a side salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/cheeseburger-casserole-easy-weeknight-dinner/