The cheeseburger casserole is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with hearty ground beef, pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit for dinner with family or friends.
This recipe tackles issues of blandness and dryness often seen in pasta dishes while offering a satisfying, easy-to-make family favorite dinner option.
Sometimes, finding a meal that pleases everyone can feel tricky. This recipe offers a comforting solution, tackling common cooking struggles like picky eaters and busy schedules. I’ve had my fair share of chaotic weeknights where I needed something simple yet satisfying for my loved ones.
What I appreciate most about this casserole is its mix of flavors and textures. It comes together quickly in about 35 minutes, allowing for a wholesome meal even on hectic days. So, don’t worry if you think you can’t cook; my approach has proven reliable every time!
If you’re interested in another comforting dish, check out my recipe for Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Finest This cheeseburger casserole wraps up all your favorite burger elements in one hot, hearty dish. The rich combination of beef, cheese, and tangy pickles makes it a warm embrace for your taste buds.
- Texture That Satisfies With tender pasta and gooey melted cheese topping, each forkful adds a satisfying bite that walks the line between creamy and chewy. It’s a mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.
- Memorable Family Meals This dish is not just about feeding the family; it’s about creating moments together. Its simplicity means you can whip it up on a busy weeknight and still enjoy quality time around the table.
- Cooks in Just 35 Minutes Don’t worry about spending all evening in the kitchen. This casserole comes together quickly, with a prep time of just 10 minutes, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners.
Cheeseburger Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting cheeseburger pasta casserole made with lean ground beef, rotini, diced tomatoes, Dijon mustard and reduced-fat cheddar , baked until melty and topped with chopped dill pickles.
Ingredients
Scale
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- 2 cups (6 oz / 170 g) uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb (95% lean) lean ground beef
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cups reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prepare it for the casserole.
- Step 2: Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
- Step 3: Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened and sweet, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Cook Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic to the softened onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Step 5: Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook stirring occasionally until the beef is browned. Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper during cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 6: Mix in Sauces: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, then add the 28 ounces of diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
- Step 7: Simmer Mixture: Let the beef and tomato mixture bubble gently until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 8: Combine Pasta & Meat: Toss the cooked and drained pasta into the beef mixture until all the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and beef.
- Step 9: Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the pasta and meat mixture evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Step 10: Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 11: Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Look for the cheese to turn lightly golden to indicate it is ready.
- Step 12: Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle ¼ cup chopped dill pickles over the top before serving. This adds crunch and tang to the finished dish.
Notes
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- Storage Tips: Room Temperature: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours to maintain texture and flavor safely. Refrigeration: Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Expert Tips: Cook pasta only 8-10 minutes for perfect al dente texture; overcooking may cause mushiness. When browning beef, use medium-high heat and stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and flavor development. If cheese does not melt adequately, cover the casserole dish with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, then remove foil to brown the cheese on top. For a drier casserole, reduce diced tomatoes to 14 ounces to balance moisture. If the mixture is too thick before baking, stir in ¼ cup vegetable broth to improve consistency.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and hot. Cover with foil during reheating to prevent drying out if needed.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Roasted vegetables or simple coleslaw are excellent side options that add crunch and flavor. Top with extra ketchup or mustard for added zest. Garnish with sliced green onions or crispy bacon bits to enhance flavor further.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute elbow macaroni for rotini pasta for a slightly different texture. For gluten-free version, use gluten-free elbow pasta to maintain a similar pasta feel. Use yellow mustard in place of Dijon mustard for a milder tang. Swap reduced-fat cheddar with sharp cheddar for richer flavor but higher fat content.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose lean ground beef (80/20 ratio is recommended for optimal flavor and texture). Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Select firm, fresh yellow onions to add natural sweetness to the dish. Mince fresh garlic finely using a knife to avoid bitterness caused by garlic presses when cooking. Opt for dill pickles for their tangy crunch, which complements the savory beef and cheese well.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): calories: Not specified; sugar: Not specified; sodium: Not specified; fat: Not specified; saturated_fat: Not specified; unsaturated_fat: Not specified; trans_fat: Not specified; carbohydrates: Not specified; fiber: Not specified; protein: Not specified; cholesterol: Not specified.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish with less grease. Aim for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for richer flavor and better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltiness.
- Onion: A diced yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the casserole. Make sure it’s fresh with a firm texture for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor significantly. Use a knife to chop it finely instead of a press to avoid bitterness when cooking.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best to hold the cheesy goodness. For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free elbow pasta, which retains similar texture.
- Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard gives a zingy flavor that enhances the beef. If you prefer milder flavor, use Dijon mustard as a good substitute.
- Ketchup: It adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness. Look for a brand without high fructose corn syrup for better taste.
- Pickles: Chopped pickles add a crunchy, tangy element that’s essential. Opt for dill pickles to complement the savory components perfectly.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish with less grease. Aim for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for richer flavor and better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect meltiness.
- Onion: A diced yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the casserole. Make sure it’s fresh with a firm texture for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor significantly. Use a knife to chop it finely instead of a press to avoid bitterness when cooking.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best to hold the cheesy goodness. For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free elbow pasta, which retains similar texture.
- Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard gives a zingy flavor that enhances the beef. If you prefer milder flavor, use Dijon mustard as a good substitute.
- Ketchup: It adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness. Look for a brand without high fructose corn syrup for better taste.
- Pickles: Chopped pickles add a crunchy, tangy element that’s essential. Opt for dill pickles to complement the savory components perfectly.
Recipe Tips
- If your pasta becomes too mushy, ensure to cook it for only 8-10 minutes for al dente texture during boiling.
- When browning the ground beef, keep the heat medium-high and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes to avoid undercooking.
- If your cheese doesn’t melt adequately, cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking, then remove to brown the cheese.
- For a drier casserole, you can reduce the diced tomatoes by half, keeping just 14 ounces, which helps maintain proper moisture levels.
- If the dish appears too thick before baking, stir in ¼ cup additional vegetable broth for a more balanced consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheeseburger casserole alongside garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. Consider roasted vegetables or simple coleslaw for additional crunch and flavor.
Use to make stuffed bell peppers or cheeseburger pasta. Add to tacos or incorporate into a savory hash with potatoes and eggs.
Top with your favorite ketchup or mustard for an extra kick. You can also sprinkle sliced green onions or crispy bacon bits for added flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef to lower fat content while retaining the casserole’s satisfying texture and protein profile.
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1 tsp dried oregano to the onion sauté for a nuanced flavor that complements the tomato and cheddar base.
- Either reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese can be used for topping; each cheese melts well and offers a slightly different taste and texture.
- If preparing for a larger group, double the ingredients for a 13 x 9 inch pan and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts fully.
- This recipe reminds me of my baked macaroni and cheese, which pairs well alongside for those who enjoy a hearty pasta dish with creamy cheese sauce.
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How to Store?
To keep your cheeseburger casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 hours to maintain texture and flavor safely.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container, keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure safety and taste.
Freezing: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, store in a freezer container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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