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Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole - recipe card
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This casserole delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting baked dish. Ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce are topped with melted cheddar cheese and crunchy dill pickle chips for a playful, family-friendly meal that is both hearty and nostalgic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for salting pasta water
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure no pork-derived ingredients)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips, plus 2 tbsp brine from jar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish (about 11×7 inches) with butter or nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until 2 minutes less than the package’s al dente time, about 7-8 minutes. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so it should be slightly firm. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and, using a wooden spoon, break it into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there is excessive grease, pour off all but about 1 tablespoon.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the dill pickle brine and stir again. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed; it should be tangy and savory, reminiscent of a cheeseburger. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. The mixture should be saucy but not soupy.
  8. Transfer the macaroni and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, covering the surface completely.
  9. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned. If you prefer a deeper golden crust, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly for easier serving. Top with the dill pickle chips just before serving, so they remain crunchy. Serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Assemble the casserole (without the pickle chips), cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Add fresh pickle chips after reheating to maintain their crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, hamburger casserole, pasta bake, family dinner, comfort food, Ree Drummond style, baked pasta, weeknight meal, kid-friendly recipe, cheesy beef pasta

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/