Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole for Easy Family Dinners Recipe

Introduction

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines all the elements of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, cheesy pasta bake. It’s perfect for easy family dinners and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 cups short pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) (fresh is preferred)
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (soy sauce can be a substitute)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (divided) (can experiment with mild cheddar or a blend)
• 1 cup whole milk (can replace with half-and-half or non-dairy milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking up the meat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Gently stir in whole milk and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring to coat the pasta. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef without sacrificing flavor.
• For extra veggies, stir in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied textures and tastes.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a splash more milk or half-and-half.
• Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like some heat.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells hold the sauce well and work best. Avoid delicate or large pasta shapes that may not bake evenly or may become mushy.

Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole for Easy Family Dinners Recipe

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This Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a comforting and easy family dinner combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. With ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned tomatoes, this dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups short pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) (can substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced, fresh preferred)

Liquids and Sauces

• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (soy sauce can be a substitute)
• 1 cup whole milk (can replace with half-and-half or non-dairy milk)

Cheese

• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (divided) (can experiment with mild cheddar or a blend)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook ground beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking up the meat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
3. Add garlic and simmer: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Create cheesy sauce: Gently stir in whole milk and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine pasta and beef mixture: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef and cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Prepare for baking: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set. Slice and enjoy your hearty cheeseburger pasta casserole!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
• Using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can add different flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmer step.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling to avoid a mushy casserole.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cheeseburger pasta casserole, easy family dinner, baked pasta, ground beef casserole, comfort food