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Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole
Melissa Hart

Dill Pickle Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

A few chopped pickles cut straight through the beef and cheddar, which is why this pan gets finished instead of lingering in the fridge. Undercook the macaroni by two minutes so it can drink up the tomato sauce without going soft.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil the macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directs, drain it and return it to the pot.
  3. Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef reaches 160°F, then drain well.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, broth, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper and simmer for 3 minutes.
  5. Combine the sauce, macaroni, pickles and 1 cup cheddar, then spread the mixture in the prepared dish and top with the remaining cheddar.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese has browned in spots.
  7. Rest for 5 minutes before serving so each scoop holds together.