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Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

This Cheeseburger Casserole combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting baked pasta dish. Featuring lean ground beef, rotini pasta, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

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Cheeseburger Casserole Ingredients

  • 2 cups (6 oz) uncooked rotini pasta (use brown rice pasta for gluten-free version)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. Then add the diced tomatoes and Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  6. Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture: Toss the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato mixture until well combined. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly, approximately 15 minutes.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped dill pickles on top for a tangy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute rotini pasta with brown rice pasta or your preferred gluten-free pasta.
  • You can adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference or use a different type like mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Make sure to use lean ground beef (95% lean) to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess fat.
  • The chopped dill pickles add a classic cheeseburger tang, but you can omit them if you prefer.
  • Recipe adapted from Bobby Deen’s “From Mama’s Table to Mine.”

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

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/