Make Ahead Cheeseburger Casserole
Satisfy your cheeseburger cravings with this hearty and family-friendly Make Ahead Cheeseburger Casserole! Packed with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of tangy ketchup, mustard, and tomato paste, this dish is layered with gooey melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. The optional pickle chip topping adds a delightful burst of tang that takes the cheeseburger flavor over the top. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance, making dinner a breeze. Simply bake, serve, and enjoy this crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 0.25 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Yellow mustard
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Pickle chips (optional, for topping)
- 1 as needed Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
Add the diced tomatoes (along with their juices), ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir to combine and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Stir the beef mixture into the cooked pasta until evenly combined.
Spread half of the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta and beef mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
If making ahead, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if chilled) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Top with pickle chips before serving to give it an extra cheeseburger-like flavor.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.1 g | 203% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.9 g | 404% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 541 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 6663 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.7 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.0 g | ||
| Protein | 172.6 g | 345% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1846 mg | 142% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 3041 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
