Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole combines all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy bake. Ground beef is cooked with onions and spices, simmered in a tomato-based sauce, mixed with creamy milk and pasta, and then baked with layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Pasta
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer with tomato sauce and spices: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream or milk until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combine beef mixture and pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the beef and sauce mixture with the cooked pasta. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
- Prepare casserole dish: Grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier texture.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the ground beef.
- Leftover casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheeses.
