Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option? Look no further than this Cheeseburger Casserole recipe! Packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: This casserole combines the savory goodness of beef, cheese, and pickles for a taste sensation that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of this casserole ahead of time and enjoy easy, delicious meals throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Uncooked rotini pasta (use brown rice pasta for GF): The pasta adds a hearty texture to the casserole.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Onions, finely chopped: Adds flavor and sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic clove, finely chopped: Provides a delicious aroma and depth of flavor.
- Lean ground beef, 93% lean: The star of the show, the beef brings a rich and meaty taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Create a thick and flavorful base for the casserole.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the dish.
- Reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the casserole.
- Chopped dill pickles: A unique addition that adds a burst of tanginess.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions, then drain well.
- In a skillet, sauté the onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for a few seconds.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Dijon Mustard. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine the meat mixture with the cooked pasta and spread in the baking dish.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake until melted, about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped pickles over the top before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding some cooked bacon to the casserole.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese blend for a different twist.
- This casserole freezes well, so make a double batch and save some for later.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality lean ground beef for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cheeseburger Casserole with a side salad and some toasted garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of lemonade for a refreshing drink.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra melty goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Cheeseburger Casserole, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole recipe combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient casserole form. With pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and pickles, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups 6 oz uncooked rotini pasta (use brown rice pasta for GF)
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Saute onions and garlic in oil until soft, then add ground beef, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste, tomatoes, and mustard to the beef mixture and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine the meat mixture with pasta and spread into the baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bake until melted. Sprinkle pickles over the top before serving.
Notes
- Recipe Source: Bobby Deen: From Mama’s Table to Mine
- For a gluten-free option, use brown rice pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg