Cheeseburger Casserole
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
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente and drain well.
- 3
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 4
Stir in the beef and cook until browned; season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes and mustard. Let the mixture bubble gently until it is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- 6
Toss the meat mixture with the pasta and spread it into the prepared dish.
- 7
Top with the cheddar and bake until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped pickles over the top and serve.
Cheeseburger Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving the nostalgic taste of a classic cheeseburger but looking for a comforting, easy weeknight meal? This Cheeseburger Casserole brings all those beloved flavors to your dinner table in a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family, especially the kids, will adore.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole truly captures the essence of a cheeseburger, blending seasoned lean ground beef with tangy dill pickles, diced tomatoes, and rich cheddar cheese, all nestled with tender rotini pasta. It’s designed for simplicity and incredible flavor, delivering a beloved American comfort food experience with minimal fuss. The combination of savory beef and bright tomato paste creates a deep, satisfying base that you'll want to savor.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dish that’s wonderfully savory, cheesy, and just a little tangy, mimicking the perfect cheeseburger experience in casserole form. You'll find a delightful interplay of textures: tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and wonderfully melted, gooey reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The dill pickles add a bright, essential counterpoint that cuts through the richness, making each bite incredibly balanced and addictive. This is pure comfort food, hearty and inviting, perfect for satisfying big appetites.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this casserole to your preferences. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the regular rotini for brown rice pasta; it works beautifully here. For a different flavor, consider varying the cheese with a sharp cheddar or a Monterey Jack for a creamier melt, though the reduced-fat cheddar provides a great balance. You could also adjust the amount of dill pickles to your liking, adding more for an extra tang.
Serving & Context
This Cheeseburger Casserole is the quintessential family dinner, ideal for busy weeknights when you need a meal that's both easy and universally loved. Serve it simply on its own, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.