Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole for Easy Family Dinners Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create cheesy sauce: Gently stir in whole milk and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Mix the cooked pasta with the beef and cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- 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.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- 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
